Artist’s Books by Cherry Jeffs
I make one-of-a-kind Artist’s Books from paper, recycled and repurposed cardboard, paper clay and found materials. I invite the viewer to hold and explore the work and discover hidden layers or expanded views.
Pushing the boundary between 2D and 3D
Tactile and surprising experiences for the ‘reader’
My love of decoration and previous practical experience as a graphic designer and jewellery designer-maker, means I’m equally interested in the form of the book and it’s surface ornamentation.
Metamorphosis - Artist’sBook © Cherry Jeffs 2018
Acrylic paint, wet strength tissue, PVA glue and cold wax medium on 290gm Canson paper with ribbon and zinc washer for fastener/hanger.
Closed 28cm x 24.5 cm, unfolded 114cm x 64cm
BUT MOST OF ALL I’M MOTIVATED BY THE STORY THE WORK TELLS…
Wolf at the Door © Cherry Jeffs 2019
Acrylic paint, archival PVA, acrylic matt medium and cold wax medium; gold tissue paper, 240gsm acid free paper; reclaimed dressing table mirror (wood, hardboard, glass).
Closed 44cm x 38cm, Open 44cm x 76cm
I fish for ideas in an eclectic sea of inspiration…
BYZANTINE RELIQUARIES, JAPANESE PRINTS, ART DECO POWDER COMPACTS, ARAB MOTIFS FOUND IN MY HOME-FROM-HOME IN SOUTHERN SPAIN, SHELLS FROM THE SEASHORES OF DEVON…
…fusing multiple influences in a single piece to create imagery at the intersection between symbolism and surrealism.
Message in a Bottle © Cherry Jeffs 2017
Acrylic paint, metallic, water-soluble coloured pencils and cold wax medium on black Canson paper, gold tissue paper and repurposed cardboard with ribbon closure.
19cm x 18cm x 0.8cm
I love to travel and paper is the ideal medium: light-weight and easy to transport, yet versatile enough for me to make relief effects which delight the touch.
The Colour of Longing © Cherry Jeffs 2020
Acrylic paint, water-soluble pencils, archival PVA and cold wax medium on 240gsm canvas textured, acid free acrylic paper with gold cord hanger.
Closed 30cm x 20cm, open 31.5cm x 27.5cm
LOVE & LOSS, MONEY, SEARCH FOR MEANING, CLIMATE CHANGE…
I am gradually moving away from acrylic paints and mediums towards more suststainable materials such as Japanese watercolour (Gansai) and gouache.
My jumping off point is usually a dilemma about my own creative growth, personal situation or cultural identity. I respond instinctually to visual clues of myth and allegory that present themselves in my research, and combine them with personal references.
The Gift © Cherry Jeffs 2021
Gouache, Gansai, acrylic paint, cold wax medium; paper clay, wet strength tissue paper, Bockingford tinted Cream 300gsm watercolour paper, Canson Mi-Teintes Earth Tones 160gsm pastel paper, ink jet print on tracing paper, turquoise decorative paper; repurposed cardboard and plastic with wooden dowel, metal rivets and elastic cord closure.
Hexagon closed 21cm x 23cm x 5cm, open 42cm x 23cm
A place of wordless sharing and healing
As a result of this process, a universal theme inevitably emerges. A theme reflecting a common preoccupation that any ‘reader’ can both identify with and intuitively explore. A balm for the wordy divisiveness of social media.
The Pomegranate © Cherry Jeffs 2020
Acrylic paint, acrylic matt medium, cold wax medium; repurposed cardboard, wet strength tissue paper, paper clay; synthetic organza, ribbon hinge and elastic cord closure.
Closed 13.2cm x 13.7cm x 13.7 cm, Open 26.5cm x 13.7cm x 6.85cm
Strength in Fragility
The delicacy of a butterfly makes us think it fragile. Yet its intricate beauty is the result of an incredible feat of endurance. What must a caterpillar withstand to emerge as a butterfly?
Open Heart © Cherry Jeffs 2024
Heart box: 290gm Canson paper, reclaimed foam core and wet strength tissue paper. Figures and eye embellishments: Das white, air-dry paper clay. Hand painted Gouache and Gansai over Casein gesso. Other embellishments: Organza, lace, satin ribbon.
Closed: 18.5 cm x 15.5 cm x 4.3 cm. Width with wings open: 19.3cm
Interested in purchasing one of my Artist’s Books?