The story of "Ceci" - 2022
Ellie Garraway
In the Market Hall - Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am to 4pm
Ellie Garraway
In the Market Hall - Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am to 4pm
Why I made a book out of Citroën 2cv doors
“Ceci” is short for Ceci n’est pas une voiture… c’est un art de vivre (ou livre?), which means “This isn’t a car… it's a way of life (or a book?).”
This rope bound book installation using Citroën 2cv doors, was originally created for the Hay Book Arts Trail where it was displayed in one of Hay-on-Wye Castle’s windows. It has also been displayed in the foyer of Liverpool Central Library during the Liverpool Book Arts Fair in July 2017.
When I first became aware of artist's books, my mind was flooded with ideas and I had a fleeting thought to make a book with Citroën 2cv doors for pages. The quirky Citroën 2cv has formed a major part of my life, shaped my travels to many countries, brought me many friends and a life partner too. Having older vehicles means you inevitably acquire a shed full of spares. Including doors.
As organiser of the Hay Book Arts Trail, I was determined to produce something special. What a perfect opportunity to turn a long-dormant fleeting idea into reality, and to be able to exhibit it in a castle window too?
Ceci n’est pas une voiture… c’est un art de vivre is a familiar bumper sticker in 2cv circles. It conjures up the free spirited nature of many of those who live with these cars. Now it’s not just a car but a piece of book art!
The content is collages illustrating the history of the 2cv and the 2cv lifestyle. And the bunting book pages are taken from An awfully big adventure by Beryl Bainbridge with further collaged wording evoking the adventures I’ve had through owning a 2cv.
As an artist’s book, it fulfils the criteria of the book structure and materials reflecting its content. And it’s portable too as you can simply take it apart and put the doors back on the car and drive away.
Ellie is also exhibiting book art at Made in the Marches Gallery
“Ceci” is short for Ceci n’est pas une voiture… c’est un art de vivre (ou livre?), which means “This isn’t a car… it's a way of life (or a book?).”
This rope bound book installation using Citroën 2cv doors, was originally created for the Hay Book Arts Trail where it was displayed in one of Hay-on-Wye Castle’s windows. It has also been displayed in the foyer of Liverpool Central Library during the Liverpool Book Arts Fair in July 2017.
When I first became aware of artist's books, my mind was flooded with ideas and I had a fleeting thought to make a book with Citroën 2cv doors for pages. The quirky Citroën 2cv has formed a major part of my life, shaped my travels to many countries, brought me many friends and a life partner too. Having older vehicles means you inevitably acquire a shed full of spares. Including doors.
As organiser of the Hay Book Arts Trail, I was determined to produce something special. What a perfect opportunity to turn a long-dormant fleeting idea into reality, and to be able to exhibit it in a castle window too?
Ceci n’est pas une voiture… c’est un art de vivre is a familiar bumper sticker in 2cv circles. It conjures up the free spirited nature of many of those who live with these cars. Now it’s not just a car but a piece of book art!
The content is collages illustrating the history of the 2cv and the 2cv lifestyle. And the bunting book pages are taken from An awfully big adventure by Beryl Bainbridge with further collaged wording evoking the adventures I’ve had through owning a 2cv.
As an artist’s book, it fulfils the criteria of the book structure and materials reflecting its content. And it’s portable too as you can simply take it apart and put the doors back on the car and drive away.
Ellie is also exhibiting book art at Made in the Marches Gallery
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The Raw Materials - door and rope...
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Installation...
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Ceci - complete with bunting...
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