Kerri Cushman

Farmville, Virginia

This paper tape measure unrolls to reveal a poem, The One at the Oars, by Liam Rector. His text pays homage to all those who have gone before us, inch by inch, channeling a path so that our vessels may float a bit easier. The metaphorical tape measure is layered with rulers and schematic boat drawings.

Aluminum & smart plate lithography, moriki paper, measuring tape reel, text transfer.

Pumping Iron

mixed media

101/2 x 7 x 12

edition of 13

© 2003

$1200

Marriages, industry, dedication to work, and commitment to one another form the essence of Pumping Iron. Through the use of a welded lunchbox, a blue–collar shirt, and an iron containing a book, these iconic objects convey a family portrait. Echoing my own embedded work ethic, the parallel narrative explores consumerism, mass production and communication.

Fabricated steel, letterpress, handmade paper, wood.

Temporary Hearing Loss is part of a pull toy series created during a 2–month residency in Paris, France. The unzipped canvas structure provides a glimpse into the complexity of childhood. As a child who experienced temporary hearing loss from so many inner ear infections, I avoided birthday parities with balloon popping games. To this day I still cringe when I see a balloon.

Balloon, text transfer, book cloth, canvas, clay, zipper, wheels.

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Kerri Cushman is a sculptural book artist and avid papermaker with an affinity for letterpress. She obtained an MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago in 2004. Known for her artist books, Cushman has shown her work in over 100 exhibitions nationally and internationally. Currently she is an assistant professor of art, teaching papermaking, letterpress, and artists’ books at Longwood University in Virginia. She has been awarded several grants, and received a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France and completed the Summer Workshop in lithography at Tamarind Institute in New Mexico. Her work was included in 500 Handmade Books published by Lark Books.