Braille overlay onto book page
Books, tangible expressions of information and inspiration, are as vital to the heart of a library collection as is access to digital resources. In conceptualizing CUMULATE, my proposal included the design and production of a full color accompanying artist book incorporating braille and a website to house vocal and morse code audio recordings of the selected Nebraska poems.
When connecting with graphic designer Jill Rizzo about these important elements for CUMULATE, she locked into the excitement of pursuing this unique design challenge. Jill found Clovernook Center’s Braille Printing House, that has been in operation since 1914, and was the first braille producer to be primarily operated by individuals who were blind and visually impaired. They have an Arts and Accessibility Initiative that was a perfect fit for this idea. When I was awarded the project, the design of the braille artist book developed through a highly collaborative effort between Jill Rizzo, me, and the Clovernook team. This unique book can be accessed at UNK’s library along with select collections (link to be listed at a future time). The cumulate.art website, an additional component designed to be a complement to the visual art, provides an audible and visual connection for the audience.
Why does CUMULATE have a website and a book?
During my architectural studies I remember a discussion on accessibility and aesthetics in design (often referred to as Universal Design). The focus was on the curb cut and how it was to ease a wheelchair crossing the street but has become a seamless and important part of the fabric of our pedestrian and bike travel. These eased transitions: the rounded corner, the captioned audio, the tactile text, give experiences a broader reach and can enrich the aesthetics and ease of access for everyone.
In addition to my studio work, an important part of my art practice is being a teaching artist. Since I moved to Wisconsin in 2011, I have worked with organizations like Arts for All Wisconsin and Inspiring Hope Ministries where I meet and work with individuals that have impacted me through how they enjoy and practice art in a multitude of ways. These multiple means of expression in the arts, like universal design in architecture, has the power to create a richer and more engaging art experience for everyone.
With both of these ideas in mind, it was natural to create ways that CUMULATE can be enjoyed and explored by a broader audience for many years in many ways. As a permanent public artwork this is something that I hold as essential.