colophon page

The Active Page

Artists like Carol Barton and A.G. Smith use paper engineering to achieve three dimenional and activated pages. For over a century children's books have used these techniques. Right now you can look at a tunnel book.

John Eric Broaddus
Spin 1/2 2
, 1987
13.25" x 9.5" x .5"
Paper, acrylic, ink, tempera.

By cutting holes in the page, the artist creates a multidimensional experience for the reader, as each image is a combination of several layers and changes as the page is turned.


Pop-up books, movable books, and books with things in them are coming to this page.


Return to the Essay

Look at some otherAlternative binding structures

Look at a contemporary bookbinding

Look at a sculptural bookwork

Look at something else