e

The concept is simple. The artwork is stunning.
Here’s how the sketchbook was created:

For thirty-six weeks, a sketchbook was sent in random order between four artists: two in Brooklyn, two in Belfast.

Every Wednesday, one participant would receive book. In order to maintain schedule, it was sent out the following Monday, giving each artist five days to complete a spread in response to the one that preceded it.

A small portion of each entry extends on to the following page. Beyond this, there was no communication between the artists concerning the content of book during its making.

book’s first trip across the Atlantic was on 2 June, 2003. Its final trip was on 2 February, 2004. By the time it was completed, book had traveled over sixty thousand miles.

Shortly after the book was completed in 2004, the four artists sat down in a room together to discuss what the meaning was behind each spread and how it was interpreted. They did so over a bottle of whiskey.

The artwork was was reproduced and exhibited in Belfast. Each spread was set up at it’s own viewing station. At each station were headphones to listen to the round table discussion about the book.

The book can viewed in it’s entirety at LookAtaBook.com. In addition to viewing there is an option to listen to the artists discussing each spread. It’s very moving to hear the interpretation verses the actual artists intent. I found myself laughing right along as though I were in the room with them. It would have been interesting if a documentary was made of the whole event from start to finish.

The artists:
mac premo
oliver jeffers
duke riley
rory jeffers