Artist turns old books into sculptures

American artist Brian Dettmer carves amazing sculptures from discarded books

by: Max Benato


Artist Brian Dettmer sculpts books into works of art, such as this The Household Physicians. Photograph: Brian Dettmer


Oh what to do with those out-of-date annuals, encyclopaedias, and other wieghty tomes. While some books beg to be passed on and shared, or even cherished selfishly through the centuries, some just don't stand the test of time.


Which is where a little book surgery comes in handy. American Brian Dettmer is one of a growing number of artists who has made a virtue of the redundant book by transforming it into a modern masterpiece.

He begins by sealing the edges of the book, then cuts into the surface and dissects it from the front using a range of tools that includes knives, tweezers and surgical tools.

There's no rushing it though – each page is painstakingly sculpted one at a time. And he never adds anything to the books, but only takes away.

Do try this at home.

from: Guardian