Brian Dettmer: Old books reborn as intricate art

What do you do with an outdated encyclopedia in the information age? With X-Acto knives and an eye for a good remix, artist Brian Dettmer makes beautiful, unexpected sculptures that breathe new life into old books.

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[matthewbarnes]

There's not a single line of those books which hasn't already been digitally immortalized for all future generations to access on any and all platforms.

What a marvelously novel form of art!

[vdosvixen]

My husband and I live in a 2 bedroom apartment one of which is used for an office space. We have bookcases in every room except the kitchen and bathroom. As to the various books on electronic media, I asked my eye doctor about the effect long term use of both computers and Kindles, ect. She said that studies done on both types of media proved that people's blink rate drops to almost nil which then causes an increase in eyestrain as well as any current eye problems are also increased. Personally, I enjoy my computers, but I prefer sitting back in a big comfortable chair and cup of tea while enjoying a good book. If anyone was curious, we have 16 6-Shelf bookcases.

[ElCanalDelPadrino]

His work is an incredible piece of art, I'm so impressed.

[MobiusCoin]

I would definitely like to have one of his pieces. These are great!

[PrincessaAnastasiya]

It's refreshing how he replaces the notion that books have fallen victim to technology with one that reasserts its power as a machine.  

[GwynWalker]

I am so truly inspired by your art! My hands just want to touch those books and feel their story of becoming. Thank you for sharing what you love.

[drthunder]

Wow, I'm not one that's really big on art but these are amazing!

[madelyn]

Holy S__it. The ability of the creative mind - here - I can't understand it. This absolutely blows my mind. You are indeed a treasure.

[KRLai]

There's actually an artist on etsy who does this kind of thing - it's expensive to buy but then again it's one of a kind

[thrivesurvive]

I find this work very inspiring on many levels. Much thought and effort has gone into each piece, and they are incredibly beautiful. 

[georgewalker]

Paper knowledge! Dettmer shows us how our brains are changing when our communication technology shifts. Harold Innis recognized this too! The bias of our preferred form of communication changes the way we understand information and how it's presented to us.

[KarmaKami]

at 2.17, the girl with the glasses and the red scarf, I could swear that's a girl I knew some years back from Norway, just putting this out here in case she sees it and that happends to be the case.
Looking at the age group of the general audience I am wondering if I might be mistaken but my curiosity needs sating ^^

[cheesecakelasagna]

I'm curious to see a sped up video of the process!

[GlassLegend]

all the art works are very detailed indeed

[sassy]

The artist is the avatar of the books. He releases their inner beauty...blank canvases are haunted as well.

[dentist]

It hurts just to see such a value destructed under the name of art, dismaying...

[WelcomeToMichellesWorld]

I am uncomfortable looking at this. He is using old books. Old books to me need to be treasured and protected. I remember reading all the old encyclopedias we had when I was younger. That experience made me have a great appreciation for all books.

[AveryMilieu]

I can't decide if I am disturbed or inspired. 
Certainly intrigued and impressed and yes, I'd like a piece from this artist.
For my Library, where I foster books of uncertain value but definite age. In fact, I've a few books I'd offer up to the sacrifice, simply because the material within is irrelevant - even as history.

[dmg]

Very inspiring talk.
Very talented individual.
Very unique end products.

[SuperXrunner]

Wow, this is amazing. I wish I had your sense of creativity. I in awe of your work. By the way. I don't think books will ever die, it's tangibility is exactly what will make it survive as I'm sure I'm not the only one who can say despite being addicted to technology (more specifically computers), I really love flipping through the pages of a book as I read through it. Besides, If I really want to read something the best idea for me is to not do it on my computer where I'd be tempted by any one of my favorite social media sites.