ARTIST'S STATEMENT

My work explores the complex role humans play in shaping the natural world. This work is always political, though only sometimes overtly so. In particular, I am interested in the peculiar human instinct to make claim to earth that must inherently be shared, and the subtle, observable ways nature adapts and responds. Through this lens, I attempt to create beauty from perceivably ugly acts as a means to question traditional paths toward political and environmental justice. And, perhaps more personally, to contend with the grief that results when these systems inevitably fail us.

BIOGRAPHY

Anne Covell is a book artist, edition bookbinder, and hand papermaker living in La Mesa, CA. She holds an MFA in Book Arts from the University of Iowa Center for the Book where she was the recipient of an Iowa Arts Fellowship, and an MA in Library and Information Science & Graduate Certificate in Book Studies from the University of Iowa where she was a Robert A. Olsen Fellow in Special Collections. She studied Asian and Western papermaking techniques with Timothy Barrett, and has taught for numerous educational institutions including the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory, Penland School of Craft, and the University of Georgia study abroad program in Cortona, Italy, among others. Her work has been exhibited internationally and can be seen in an expanding list of private collections, special collections libraries, and museums worldwide.

Currently, Covell is working on a new artist book concerning reconciliation of the lack of justice in the US political system. This work, titled “In the Dark,” will be on display at the 2024 Codex Book Fair, February 4-7 in Oakland, CA.

COLLECTIONS