Photo Book Works

Thomas Finke
Denver, CO

Jean Buescher Bartlett
Ann Arbor, MI

What’s Out There?

Jean Buescher Bartlett:
A six-week artist residency at the Ucross Foundation in south-central Wyoming - not to mention a cross-country drive - put me in a succession of new and astounding landscapes. From my studio window, I had an uninterrupted view of a wide and desolate expanse. During this time, photographer friend Tom Finke was writing to me and including contact sheets of his recent work. I pinned up a series of cyanotype images that he sent and was moved to write about them, as well as the winter landscape out my studio window. The photos and reflections resulted in What’s Out There. The ten-panel accordion book structure was chosen to echo the long horizon.

Thomas Finke:
Jean and I have been friends since we first met back in Ohio in the 1970’s; we were both artists trying to make our way in the world. Corresponding over long periods of time, our letters always seemed to put me at ease with my thoughts. After stints in other parts of the world, the landscape and space of the American West drew me back again. These images are reminiscent of my time spent both here in the West and in other places I remembered. This book is a manifestation of our continuing dialogue on the creative process, as well as living an artistic life.

Cyanotype Images by Tom Finke. Original poetry by Jean Buescher Bartlett. Printed from handset Perpetua type on Lana Laid paper in three colors. Red Kasugami endsheets. Handmade abaca & indigo-dyed kozo cover paper. 3.75 x 3.5 inches. 1993. Edition of 45.

To purchase, please contact Laura at 23 Sandy Gallery.