Persons n.d.

Curator: Charles George Lewis's "Persons" presents a unique object for consideration. It's a mixed-media work, incorporating drawing, collage, and printmaking techniques. At first glance, what's your impression? Editor: My initial reaction is to the artifact quality; the patina suggests a narrative deeply rooted in time and history. The marbling on the cover, particularly the dendritic patterns in red and yellow against the ground, remind me of geological formations, like looking at ancient maps or weather patterns. Curator: Yes, the use of marbling, a decorative technique, is quite striking. Notice how the random, yet organic lines create a visually active surface. This texture contrasts with the likely ordered content found inside, a play on exterior versus interior. The visual structure speaks to an interesting layering of intentions and materials. Editor: Indeed, the very concept of a 'person' suggests layers—persona, personality, individuality. It feels as though the cover's chaotic beauty shields and perhaps reveals something of the messy realities of personhood. I am also quite interested in the small label with the handwritten number affixed on top of the decorated paper; it is such an unassuming thing, and yet I can’t help but wonder about all it suggests—numbering systems, the labor of cataloging, systems of knowledge… Curator: Fascinating perspective! I am most taken with the object quality—that we don't have just the art on the pages inside but also a visual study in decorative binding. The formal elements create a visually appealing whole; how the colors interact, the weight of the materials, all these choices build a unique presentation beyond its immediate utility as container. Editor: I agree that considering "Persons" beyond mere sketchbook reveals a profound study of not just aesthetic forms, but an exploration of how history, identity, and the artistic spirit merge and materialize through images. What stories might this contain? Curator: It’s a compelling thought, to regard this binding itself as art. A successful experiment to appreciate purely as a cohesive arrangement of tones, patterns, and textures, and an echo of the order within.