Opening one of Slovakian artist Isobelle Ouzman’s books is like entering the world of fantasy. “But what’s special about them—that describes almost every fairytale book ever?” you’ll ask. Well, the thing is that Ouzman isn’t causing words to create the said fantasy world but does it with book carvings and beautiful illustrations as part of her series “Altered Books.”
Ouzman finds discarded books in thrift stores, at flea markets, and other places and then gives them a new life by turning them into a piece of art. She carves the books with a precision knife to create a 3D effect and then paints captivating scenes that look like they have come straight out of a fairytale or a fantasy world using watercolors and pens.
“The theme of my work centers around the art of storytelling and the narratives we hold, as well as the idea of escapism through nature,” she shares on her website.
While some might be uneasy with her practice of carving books, the talented artist explains that she only uses books that can’t serve some other purpose anymore.
“They’re often heavily used, structurally damaged, or common and of no further value,” she explains.
Ouzman shares her newest works on social media and offers Altered Books for purchase through her Etsy shop. You can check out more of them below.
