Tim Ely's Bookbinding Art at San Francisco Center for the Book
Book art by Tim Ely
San Francisco – Compelling, contemplative, and visionary: these are words that have been used to describe the work of artist and bookbinder Timothy C. Ely. Showcasing approximately forty manuscript books, drawings and prints created by Ely over the past fifty years, Cognitive Distance: the Bookworks and Thoughtforms of Timothy C. Ely introduces gallery visitors to Ely’s extraordinary version of world-building.
Drawing from traditional fine binding, printmaking, and manuscript books, Timothy C. Ely has developed his own hybrid ways of creating work, all the while remaining true to his artistic vision. The techniques and materials of fine bookbinding are immediately apparent in his work; by pushing these traditional aspects in new directions, the resulting works inspire and astonish.
Exhibition curator Jennie Hinchcliff states: “For those arriving at Timothy Ely’s work for the first time, the experience can only be remarkable: visually, materially, and conceptually. There is an undeniable sense of the artist’s reverence for materials, structure, and the history of the book imbued within each volume, print, and drawing. San Francisco Center for the Book is honored to exhibit such a large number of Timothy Ely’s works together for the first time and share his work with a wider audience.”
Exhibited works include books, drawings, prints, and related ephemera, including early career work; five new books completed by the artist in 2022 will debut as part of this exhibition. Artworks have been generously loaned by The Ely/Marra Collection (Colfax, WA), Doug and Judith Garnett (Portland, OR), and The Letterform Archive (San Francisco, CA).
A full-color exhibition catalog with essays by Jennie Hinchcliff (Exhibitions Manager, San Francisco Center for the Book), Dr. Amanda C. R. Clark (Dean of the Library & Special Programs at Whitworth University, Spokane, WA), and Timothy C. Ely will be available for purchase from the San Francisco Center for the Book.
Cognitive Distance: the Bookworks & Thoughtforms of Timothy C. Ely
San Francisco Center for the Book, 375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Saturday, October 22, 2022 – Sunday, January 8, 2023
SFCB gallery hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
