Passage is one-of-a-kind artist book comprised of a series of eight monotypes, each offering a glimpse into the world of the monarch butterfly. Whether viewing the book page by page, or stretched out as an accordion, one discovers suggestions of passage, both physical and metaphorical, as it unfolds. The poem is written by the artist and letterpress printed on the final panel. The translucency in each monotype has been achieved through multiple passes through the press - up to fourteen for some images. Passage is housed in an Asahi silk cloth-covered clamshell box made by Linda Lembke of Green River Bindery. The color of the box symbolizes the metamorphosis undertaken by the butterfly.
The monarch butterfly travels thousands of miles in winter and returns the following summer. The butterfly is also a metaphor for my sister, who died at the age of twenty-nine. When the monarch returns each summer, I am reminded that I am never alone.
12" x 144" open. 12" x 18" closed.
