Patient Spider
[Belfast, Maine]: Jan Owen, 2009. Limited Edition. Accordion. Issued as a unique book (an edition of a single copy), two panels of text, signed and dated by Jan Owen on the front pastedown label. Fine. Item #25031801
Walter Whitman Jr. (1819-1892) is perhaps best remembered today for his classic "Leaves of Grass". His influence on poetry cannot be overstated: per Wiki, "According to the Poetry Foundation, he is 'America's world poet - a latter-day successor to Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare'."
This poem, "A Noiseless Patient Spider", was originally part of the "Whispers of Heavently Death" written by Whitman for "The Broadway, A London Magazine" in 1868. Here, book artist Jan Owen has created a unique book, bringing the poem to life through her original calligraphy and exquisite black and orange painted paper. Breathtaking in its simplicity, this was issued by Owen in an edition of one.
Jan Owen studied art Johns Hopkins, DePauw University, and Drew University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, has mounted special exhibits in a list too long to recount, and her work is represented in collections as far-flung as South Africa and Lodz. Over a dozen library special collections have acquired her work, including Harvard, Wellesley, Yale, and Princeton.
___DESCRIPTION: Accordion fold panels between two boards, the boards painted in black swirls with gold flecks, orange-painted paper label mounted to the top board with calligraphic title, beneath which is Jan Owen's signature with the date of 2009, upon opening there are two more panels painted black with grey swirls and gold flecks, the next two panels painted orange with the calligraphic text of the poem with Walt Whitman's name written in plain lettering, the final two panels with mostly the black-painted paper, the bottom about three inches of brown painted paper; designed to be enjoyed either flat or hung on a wall, with a black string hanger threaded onto the top board; each panel measures 10 1/2" by 6", the only text on the two orange panels.
___CONDITION: Fine, the boards clean, the accordion structure solid with no tears, the entire production clean and bright, and free of prior owner markings; a remarkable and unique artist book.
___POSTAGE: International customers, please note the following: (i) additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs, please inquire for details; and (ii) any taxes, duty, or tariffs charged by your country will, of necessity, be your responsibility.
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Price: $750.00