Christine Nicholls Inkpot and Pen

How did you become involved in artist’s books?

I first came across artist’s books at the exhibition Certain Trees: The Constructed Book, Poem and Object 1964-2008, tucked away in a room at the top of the V&A Museum in 2008. Locked away in a case was a small book called ‘Adjectives for Grasses’ by Moschantel Press with Laurie Clarke’s illustration on the cover. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from this book, desperate to see inside, which I have never managed to do! 
After returning about four times before the exhibition closed I kept the thought of this book hidden away, in a secret drawer in my mind.
Roll on a few years later when I was started working full time on my own illustration and lettering work having deciding to leave paid employment and the memory of the book returned. At that point I started researching the world of artist’s books as a way of bringing together my drawings and ideas in a form that could be ‘discovered’ rather than just seen on a flat surface in a frame.

What is the focus of your practice?

I’m interested in using the book format to tell a story through the use of illustration and words/lettering; whether it is street furniture or over looked everyday items, to explore the world of a flower, from bud to folklore, to explore the world around us through illustrated maps that use a particular fold that allows you to fall into the world of the map when you open it. 

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on expanding my series maps and I’m also exploring ways to bring lettering and illustration together within my books, where they feature as one image rather than supporting each other. This journey is in its infancy and is currently following its own path…

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