ARTIST’S BOOKS V. ZINES: Purpose and Intent

Zines Focus on Expression and Community

Zines are typically created to share ideas quickly and directly. They are democratic, informal, and highly personal. A zine maker usually produces copies at home using their printer and a bone folder or a Riso and photocopier. A zine may be distributed through little free libraries, a rally, the mail, a distro, and more.

The emphasis is often on:

• Amplifying underrepresented voices

• Rejecting mainstream publishing standards

• Sharing perspectives

• Building communities

• Encouraging creative freedom

My own zines often share my own viewpoint (Lactivist Gymnurstics) and humor (Ode to Pumpernickel) or bring attention to an underrepresented group (The Pill v the Pocket Rocket).

The imperfections of zines — uneven cuts, visible tape, rough photocopies — are often part of their charm.

Artists’ Books Focus on the Book as Art

Artists’ books are usually more intentional in their physical design and conceptual structure. The materials, format, and interaction are carefully considered as part of the artwork itself.

An artist may spend months handcrafting pages, experimenting with paper textures, or designing unique ways for viewers to interact with the piece. In my case I communicate through structures, like in Dodger Blues or Collapse. In many cases, the viewer’s physical experience of the book is central to the meaning of the work.

Rather than simply containing art, the artist’s book becomes the artwork.