Carol Downey

I came to hand papermaking and artists books in 1996.

Prior to that I had been working as a textile artist so the transition to using fibres
and paper 'fabric' in a completely different way was a new and exciting challenge.

The books which I now create are inspired by people, places, things, conversations,
events, passions as well as the materials and techniques themselves.
They are often sculptural, having little or no text. The '"story-telling', information
or message is in the format, structure and materials.

Containers have a special fascination for me and are always an important element and integral to the design process of the entire book. I may design and construct the container myself or a particular object may present itself as a container and be the starting point for my next unique book.