Shu-Ju Wang • Portland, OR
Artist Books

Click Here to See Shu-Ju's Paintings

Shu-Ju Wang
S/N
$45

In a reference to ever miniaturized technologies that allow us to surround ourselves with ever more content, this book raises the question of the Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio of such content.

Using archival clear adhesive tape, 'noisy words' are transferred from black Arches Cover to Strathmore Drawing paper in an accordion book. Translations of the text, in both English and in audio waveforms, are Gocco printed on the back. A recording of Shu-Ju reading the text is the source for the waveforms.

Handmade paper from Taiwan is used for the cover boards and is also the fiber transferred onto the Arches Cover slipcase. 1.75" x 2.375" x 0.5" closed, 1.75" x 55.25" when completely opened. Edition of 31, plus 3 AP and 1 signed practice copy. 2008.

To purchase this work please contact Laura at 23 Sandy Gallery..

Shu-Ju Wang
Alphabet for a Belly Dancer
Limited Edition Artist Book
$55

A sentimental prayer/poem for belly dancers, Alphabet for a Belly Dancer captures the essence of belly dance through word play and a rhythmic pattern that mimics the dance itself.

Bound in a pull-out accordion structure with wrap-around cover in Japanese Masa Unwaxed and French handmade paper Mouchette Almond (pale green), finished with hand-dyed rayon ribbon, coins, and beads. The protective envelope is made with a shimmering dark turquoise 89lb cover stock.

Excerpt from text (E through H) reads:
Enchant, with the intricate movements of your
Feet, gliding, stepping to the beat of the drum.
Grace, with sweeps of your arms, hems of your skirts, your
Hands, beckoning, drawing them to your kingdom.

Edition of 48, plus one display copy. Gocco printed on Masa Unwaxed and Mouchette Almond. 3 1/4” x 4 1/4” x 1/4” (closed), envelope 4 1/4” x 5 3/4”. 2008.

To purchase this work please contact Laura at 23 Sandy Gallery.

Su-Ju Wang
Marion
Limited Edition Artist Book
$125

Shu-Ju received a 2008 Regional Arts and Culture Council Grant to work one-on-one with four seniors suffering from various stages and forms of memory loss. She met with each senior over a period of several months. Together, they painted or editioned suites of Gocco prints. Then based on the work they did together, back in my studio, Shu-Ju designed and editioned a book. Each senior and her family received 7 copies of their book, and Shu-Ju retained 13.

When the project, as it was defined, came to an end, she decided to start Relay Replay Press, dedicated to working with seniors with dementia to create artist's books that illuminate the creative lives of the elderly.

Of Marion, Shu-Ju tells us, "It took me a long time to figure out that Marion wanted to paint watercolors. Once I figured that out, she and I spent many wonderful afternoons chatting and painting. She returned again and again to the image of the meadow with trees, hills, and a sunset sky. I chose two to include in her book."

Edition of 20. Gocco printed and inkjet reproduction on Rives BFK. 7 1/16” square x 3/8” closed. 2008.

To purchase this work please contact Laura at 23 Sandy Gallery.

Shu-Ju Wang • Sold Out titles

Shu-Ju Wang
Nigrum
Limited Edition Artist Book
SOLD OUT!

Three poems dedicated to the Piper Nigrum, the most humble of our spices, the black pepper. Initially inspired by a chili eating contest at a Thai restaurant, the book evolved to explore the history of the spice trade in SE Asia. Shown in above photo is the book opened to show pages of both the front and back sides; the back side contains a map of the Banda Islands (the Spice Islands).

Excerpt from the third poem Twist reads:
Fire eaters gather around a perculiar
feast of sunsets sprinkled with stardust burnt to black/
Papaya with pepper & chili with wild rice
extra hot pad Thai with one more habanero/

Edition of 40, plus one display copy. Gocco printed on black French Speckletone Cover. Bound as a palm leaf book with cotton embroidery thread, black glass buttons, and black Japanese Unryu. 8.5” x 1.25” x 0.25” closed, 8.5” x 20” opened. 2004.

Shu-Ju Wang
Da(3)Pai(2)
Limited Edition Artist Book
$65

A full deck of 54 cards that trace the evolution of 52 Chinese characters from their original pictographs to their contemporary forms. The heart and diamond suits illustrate the evolution of 26 radicals, and the spade and club suits show these radicals used in complex, combination characters. Based on the book Chinese Calligraphy by Edoardo Fassioli and Guo Yu Ri Bao Zi Dian, a Chinese dictionary.

Shown are the wrap-around cover, 1 card face and partial card back in Astroparche Antique Gold; Evergreen Cover Aspen sold out. Gocco printed 3 1/8” x 2 1/8”, Astroparche Antique Gold version—5/8" deep. 2008.

To purchase this work please contact Laura at 23 Sandy Gallery.