Photo by Kelli Shedd

I have a deep love for handmade books.  Especially handmade artists books which over the years I have accidentally collected — I say accidentally because many of the handmade books I own simply found their way into my house, onto my bookshelves!

My most treasured artist book, For Those Who See, came into my house via my mother-in-law, a woman who has a supreme knack for pulling treasures from piles of antiques, and also has a love affair with books.  Written and created by Gwen Frostic, this beautiful collection of word and illustrations capture nature in a variety of moods, from the mundane everyday occurrence, to the cycle of life beyond our control.  Published in 1965 in Benzonia, Michigan, For Those Who See is illustrated by Frostic as well, and only scratches the surface of her extensive career as an artist and print-maker.  She lived and worked in a home studio nestled within a wildlife sanctuary in Northern Michigan which is still open to the public even after her passing in April 2001.

Turning the pages of this small masterpiece, the layers of vellum and linen, and the soft muted color of inks used to print the images, I simply wish this book would never end.