Thank you to AAADA Melbourne Antiques Fair for inviting me to present a talk on Saturday You Can’t Draw in Books, where I talked about why and how I draw in old books that are about to be discarded. Thanks also to the curious and interested who attended, asked questions and the lovely conversations afterwards.
At the Fair you can step into the world of decorative arts and design at Malvern Town Hall. Discover pieces for purchase, enjoy talks, guided tours, talks and expert appraisals.
Here are some introductory sentences from my 45 minute talk.
You may wonder why I am here and how I fit in. In this technical world, fast paced world, books are physical objects that you can pick up and hold touch and turn in your hands, like the antiques and art s in this hall. They can also have a collectable aesthesic value. Some have a story to tell as well as telling a story – they have a history and a narrative and some of these are unique and different. I am adding to that story. The first part of the talk is about my decision to draw in books and then I will talk about the actual process of drawing in the book.
The books can be purchased on my ETSY website. See the link in my Bio or www. https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlissaDuke
The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico 1950
A Tour by Car Through England Scotland & Wales by Jessie Sisson published by Bank of New South Wales 1953
The Fighting Fourth by E.M. de Foubert 1934
Parts of the talk were filmed and on the AAADA social media.
I was also thrilled to see the first promotional material for the Melbourne Rare Book Fair in July – flyers on the tables – some of my colour sketches from last year’s Fair!
Life is busy and full in a very good way – Travel Sketching classes next Saturday if you are in Melbourne and curious.