Oil City Artist's Book by Quite Contrary Press
“The artist’s book Oil City, was made by Tony Bellaver and Mary V. Marsh. Utilizing the Labyrinth/Snake fold format as metaphor, we explore tangled ways mankind treats and inhabits the landscape. The images and poem for this book come from witnessing the active oil fields near the Kern River in southern San Joaquin Valley, California. They become signifiers for us exploring the projection of human traits onto the landscape, its elements and inhabitants; anthropomorphizing sounds, smells and textures we experience. The landscape becomes our adversary that we must win over and conquer as John L. O’Sullivan’s concept of “Manifest Destiny” identifies within us. The poem is revealed a few words per page, echoing the slow rhythm of the huge lumbering pumpjack, seen on the other side when all of the pages are opened out.” -Mary V. Marsh
2.75” x 3.75” x 0.5” (Closed)
*Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.
“The artist’s book Oil City, was made by Tony Bellaver and Mary V. Marsh. Utilizing the Labyrinth/Snake fold format as metaphor, we explore tangled ways mankind treats and inhabits the landscape. The images and poem for this book come from witnessing the active oil fields near the Kern River in southern San Joaquin Valley, California. They become signifiers for us exploring the projection of human traits onto the landscape, its elements and inhabitants; anthropomorphizing sounds, smells and textures we experience. The landscape becomes our adversary that we must win over and conquer as John L. O’Sullivan’s concept of “Manifest Destiny” identifies within us. The poem is revealed a few words per page, echoing the slow rhythm of the huge lumbering pumpjack, seen on the other side when all of the pages are opened out.” -Mary V. Marsh
2.75” x 3.75” x 0.5” (Closed)
*Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.
Quite Contrary Press offers limited edition artist's book and prints by Tony Bellaver (he/him) & Mary V. Marsh (she/her), created collaboratively and individually in Oakland, California. Their projects come out of photographic excursions, hiking trips, journal drawings, poems, research, and endless conversations. Photopolymer intaglio, handset type, Platinum/Palladium, linoleum cuts, hand cutting, and letterpress printing are some of the processes used to make books and prints.
MVMarsh.com | TonyBellaver.com | Instagram: @QuiteContraryPress | Instagram: @TonyVictorBellaver