Item Details
Figures of Speech [Artist Book] [Deluxe].
Somerville, MA: Sarah Hulsey Studio, 2021. Limited Edition. Mixed bindings. An exploration of shape, color and meaning through the medium of layered woodcut monoprints.
"The etchings and accompanying word lists in this project investigate the lexicon, a complex mental repository of the lexical knowledge held by a speaker. Unlike a dictionary, the lexicon is believed to be to be organized by relationships between words. These relationship groupings are represented here by shapes inspired by English verb classes. Schematic shapes and their companion texts explore the unconsciously known patterns of language." [artist statement]
"This array of verb-shapes represents only a small part of a rich trove of information that you unknowingly access every time you use language. Repeated shapes, both etched and collaged, combine to form visual representations of a number of classes of English verbs. Running alphabetical lists of words (totaling 1566 in all) are printed across the pages in each collection, grouped according to the unconsciously known patterns in the meaning and use of vocabulary. Each list belongs to a class of verbs that share structural properties, but aht on the surface do not appear to have much in common. The piece reveals connections across the mental lexicon, while giving shape- and pattern-related hints as to what those connections are." [colophon statement]
Seven portfolios housing work following these themes: 1) Unergatives; 2) Dative Alternation: double object; 3) Dative Alternation: oblique dative; 4) Locative Alternation: locative variant; 5) Reflectives; 6) Locative Alternation: "with" variant; 7) Unaccusatives.
A monumental work in Hulsey's evolving work exploring the nature and structure of language.
Hulsey’s focus on art and linguistics evolved in "parallel to her studies in linguistics, first at Harvard, and later in graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As she learned more about the depth and complexity of the structure of language, she became more and more drawn to the possibility of representing these structures through visual art." [bio]. Fine in Fine Archival Box. Tight, bright, and unmarred. Red paper portfolios housing loose printed sheets (etchings and letterpress), housed in red cloth drop-spine archival box with leather onlays. 8vo. np. Illus. (color plates). Numbered limited edition of 5. Signed by the artist. Item #10998
Price: $10,000.00