library card art set, pragmatism, strategems and surrealism

Three ink and wash paintings on vintage library cards.

Each card is 3 x 5 inches and attractively packaged for gift giving, in a clear sleeve with a decorative card top.

Library sign-out cards only remain as curiosity items — relics still occasionally found in the back pocket of library books. I take these vintage, obsolete cards and repurpose them as art, making ink and wash paintings that work in concert with the signatures, stamps and marks the cards have acquired over their history and service.

The titles of these three cards are …

Pragmatism, and Four Essays from the Meaning of Truth by William James (1955)
Treason, Strategems and Spoils by F.G. Bailey (2001)
Le Surréalisme by Yvone Duplessis (1967)

Library card artworks are fantastic bookmarks (they have an incredible durability), and absolutely shine when framed. They also make great gifts — just tuck one into a Christmas card or letter and suddenly you’re sending your friend or relative some original artwork for the cost of a stamp.

The artwork is wholly original, done freehand, directly onto the cards, in ink and wash.

Every order comes with an extra art surprise.

There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
— James Russell Lowell

The truth may often be carried about by those who themselves remain all unaware of it. They bear that which has weight and substance and yet for them has no name whereby it may be evoked or called forth. They go about ignorant of the true nature of their condition, such are the wiles of truth and such its stratagems.
– Cormac McCarthy

Nothing that surrounds us is object, all is subject.
— Andre Breton

Buy from people, not from corporations. Buy things made by human hands, not computers.

Escape the dreaming planet ... give the gift of original art.

SAVE OUR LIBRARIES

You can find more work at www.etsy.com/ca/shop/cigartinstories