For Poppy

I've been working on a series of book art lately. I tear out the inspiring pages. I cut holes through the covers of the books. I sand them, I glue them, I put bugs in them.

All summer long, I have been working in the Education Studio at the Museum of Glass. Twice a week I am there, leading people in art activities, and also getting some time to work on my own work- hopefully.

Last Monday, as I was turning a book over and over in my hands, and trying to decide what exactly to do with it, and which-if any- pages to tear out, a woman commented that she liked my reading material. it had just dawned on me that this was a Jehovah Witness book, and a very old one. Maybe from the 20's. As I explained to her what I do with the books and where i get them, she confirmed that it was a Jehovah Witness book, and she was a Jehovah Witness. She also mentioned that she always checks for copies of the old books when she is at thrift stores. When she asked if she could show it to her friend, and I agreed.

In the few minutes she was gone, I had an internal struggle, but decided she should have the book. It was a perfect, tiny treasure to her, and in this state, it was a weird old book to me. She offered to buy it from me, but I refused, and gave it to her.

Her name is Poppy. I hope you are enjoying the book, Poppy.

But I have a confession. I found another old Witness book in my drawer. I waited for you to come back in today. I thought about how horrified you would be if I began "destroying" this book. I turned it over and over in my hands. Then I tore out the beautiful, browned, blank pages. Then I cut through the cover. I have almost cut through to the center of the book. I'm sorry, Poppy. I had to do it. It's looking amazing. Maybe I will name it after you.

Photos will follow soon.