For All Seasons

For All Seasons [iPhone] from CreativeApplications.Net on Vimeo.

Here’s an interactive art application for the iPhone or iPod Touch, that I find quite similar to the experience of interacting with an artists’ book. Engaging, personal, portable... I find the potentials raised in this example very exciting. At this point, I think the Kindle and other book reading devices lack interactive (and even simple hyperlinking) capabilities, but perhaps we can see a glimpse of possible artists’ books futures here?

When Lori Spencer and I started talking about the panel, we came up with two possible approaches to the subject. I am interested to see which of these avenues seems more generative in terms of your individual backgrounds. Or, is there a way the two approaches could be combined?

1. The digital as a tool or process within the "traditional" book arts medium--given that digital is perhaps the 3rd major leap in the industry of the printed book, movable type and offset being the first two.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of using digital tools to create artists' books?
How have digital tools and processes reshaped the relationship between author and reader?
Have digital processes led to an increase in accessibility, either for the author or the reader?
How has quality and quantity been affected?
How have digital tools caused changes in concept and structure?


2. The digital as a new medium related to the book arts.

How has the artists' book evolved and expanded as a result of influence of digital media?
How have digital and wireless communications influenced our concept of what books are, and their intended function?
What new approaches to the production of artists' books do we see as a result of this transition?
What potential do we see for the digital as a book arts related medium?
Has digital media allowed the book to expand into any uncharted territory?

We also need to consider how we will incorporate visuals into the panel. Any and all ideas are welcome!

Welcome!

Using this blog, participants in the "books and digital media" panel can introduce themselves and begin to discuss the upcoming Hybrid Book conference. The blog will be a great way for us to share ideas and questions that probe the ongoing dialogue between books and digital media.