Larry Clifford: Biblioquilts
Larry Clifford will be presenting his Biblioquilts in Hunneman Hall in March and April. Please join us for an artist’s talk on April 30!
His Artist Statement and Bio:
“My BiblioQuilts and murals are created using distressed books that were salvaged from basements, attics, and public libraries throughout New England. I repurpose every part of the books I find —the covers, the pages, the spines—breathing new life into my materials with the addition of dyes, inks, and acrylics. Postcards, maps, and other ephemera may be tempting, but I restrict my palette to neglected books. That’s what makes the work both challenging and unique.
“Quilts made from recycled cloth are nothing new. But the combination of mixed media and repurposed books presents a whole new challenge. Each piece is comprised of thousands of “tiles” that were meticulously hand-cut from discarded or damaged hardcovers – books that no one has read or paid attention to in decades. Most were on their way to the landfill. I carry an inventory of pre-made BiblioQuilts, and I collaborate with families, libraries, and communities on commissioned pieces and murals. My goal is to create original works of art that evoke warm memories for everyone involved.”
After earning a B.A. in Art from Northwestern University, then an M.A. in Biomedical Communications from the University of Texas, Larry spent 15 years producing award-winning biomedical illustrations, with an emphasis on traditional media like pen-and-ink, carbon dust, and watercolor. He then switched to strategic planning, marketing, and business development for the nonprofit sector – mostly because he didn’t want to create artwork on a computer. (“What can I say…I’m old school.”) At this stage of his career, he is thrilled to be getting back to his roots as a maker of fine crafts.