Sandy Vrem – Book & Paper Arts

I have always been intrigued with the many colors Mother Nature presents to us. As a young child I would walk with my mother in the woods of upstate New York and she would point out the different shades of green. Some have more yellow others more blue, some are lighter and others darker. I started noticing the subtle differences in the colors around me; from the bold bright colors to the pale subdued colors, warm colors and cool colors. They all got my attention.

When digital cameras became available I started photographing these colors in nature. I could zoom in and see more clearly the color and detail in the objects; this is where color and texture came together for me. I also started photographing manmade objects that had been changed by the elements: rusted metal, peeling or faded paint and rotting wood for example. I now look for the unexpected and hope I have my camera with me. I have also learned how to use Photoshop to enhance the color when needed—not to change the color, but to show it off.

Later on in my quest to find interesting colors and textures I decided to try creating surface designs using a variety of multimedia materials. This is when I play and experiment with a variety of techniques mainly using paper. I am always thinking about the next experiment I want to try.

I am also a bookmaker and often use my photos and surface design papers in the books that I make. I love unique book structures and the variety of book bindings that I can use. This is where everything comes together and I can show off my love of color and textures.