The Creeping Baby
first edition Original Wraps
2003 · Portland, ME
by Cawley, Crystal
Portland, ME: Artist Book, 2003. First Edition/Limited Edition. Original Wraps. Fine in Wraps.. First Edition/Limited Edition. Original Wraps. In the artist's words, "The text and image for this book came verbatim from an out-of-print nineteenth-century catalogue of dolls one could purchase for one's children. Dolls are kind of creepy anyhow, but this one especially so, partly because it looks more like an adult than a baby. When I found this image, I was starting production of an artist's book edition of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wall-paper, and this creeping baby reminded me of the creeping women behind the wallpaper in Gilman's story." In a period where a fair bit of "book art" is glib, Cawley's work is subtle and engaging. Where much is to be seen once, enjoyed and forgotten, Cawley's begs "rereading", as with each rereading one is able to trick out another nuance...another wee tale. Cawley is emerging as a fresh and sophisticated voice in American book arts. Materials: photocopy transfer, collage, handmade paper. Black paper wraps, white paper onlay, black ink lettering, letter press and tipped in images. Limited numbered edition, this being 3 of 3 (and the last available copy). (Inventory #: 5112)