Spanish Landscapes

by Susan Allix

It is in the simple artistry, prose, and craft that artist Susan Allix speaks to us in Spanish Landscapes. You follow the artist through her time in Spain but in a way and with an expression which offers such great insight that are you not so much transported to the place, than the mind of the witness living in that moment of time. In one description, Susan explains, “When you come here you find that nothing has changed….the village, once a distant patch of white against the sea, is now growing over the next hill, but it makes little difference. The quay and the small boats are the same, and the only innovation is a large tank in one of the fisherman’s sheds which contains lobsters. They creep about, brown and hairy looking, while waiting for the restaurant to claim them”. This work, which was created in 1994, of course should not be taken in context to our current times but it is the eloquence of feeling that brings Susan’s Spanish Landscapes, in that specific moment and in that specific place, to life.

The craft and technique put into this book is what separates it from many other artists’ works in the book arts. It does not scream out, or explore the boundaries and possibilities of what a book can be but rather explores the inward beauty and nature of combining traditional techniques in ways that are welcoming and inviting to the senses. The leather cover is a beautifully illustrated mountainous landscape with a warm ink palate up against a cool sky with dark clouds and shaded shoreline grounding the near horizon. Inside the book, text highlighting the emotions and feelings of the artist are set on one page with abstract printed landscapes set opposite.

The text and font even within the same prose is often changed, using Caslon, Pantin and Woodletter, with differing sizes to produce well designed dramatic effects. This use of contrasting and complimenting tones sets up a theme which carries well throughout the book. Etching on woodcut, linocut and monoprint with added pencil, pastel and watercolor design, all including differing color schemes create unique psychological timestamps of the locations, helping to annotate the journey further.

The paper on which both the text and prints rest upon is rough and you even might feel a slight scratching sensation when rubbing your fingertips gently over the page which seems more welcoming than not. This too is purposeful in that the paper was chosen from that made at the Paper Mill at Velke Losiny in the Czech Republic, which is one of the oldest still operating in Europe. The rigidity of the paper leaves a great embossing effect on all of the prints and as you turn the page on the printed landscapes they are still apparent. This paper is bound within the book utilizing a case binding with sewn headbands. Susan herself is known for making her own unique inks for the purpose of producing her work.

In short, Spanish Landscapes is expertly designed. The work itself is not groundbreaking but the combination of techniques utilized creates a uniqueness and admiration from its viewing but is also approachable. I think perhaps most important is that Susan offers some of herself not only in the psychology and experience of her travels but also in the careful designs used to encapsulate this journey which seems to embrace you, as much as transport you. Click here for slideshow.

- Eric Bush