Out of the Ark, two series of artist's books by Carolyn Leigh (CarolynLeigh.com)

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Out of the Ark: Raven's Flight and Land of the Dove

[Out of the Ark: Raven's Flight, artist's book: 59k]

Two series of artist's books by Carolyn Leigh, Tucson, AZ, USA

For available books in these series: artist's books catalog.

The Out of the Ark series are based on the Biblical story of Noah's ark in the Book of Genesis.

Raven's Flight commingles the Biblical Raven with other great flood traditions, including Native American, that identify Turtle with the emerging Earth. The story of the raven's flight is from the oldest known written text, the J (Jahwist, oral) tradition, around 950 BC.

Figure 1: Out of the Ark: Raven's Flight 07.10.16 - what does Raven see as he flys over the water, perhaps Turtle emerging?

Land of the Dove depicts the Dove's search for dry land: first returning to the Ark with nothing, then returning with an olive leaf and finally departing forever when she finds dry land under the radiant sun. The story of the flights of the dove, appears in the P text (Priestly, written) tradition around 550 BC.

Figure 2: Out of the Ark: Land of the Dove 05.12.20 shows the second flight where Dove returns to the Ark with an olive branch, a sign to Noah that the waters are receding.

[Out of the Ark: Land of the Dove, artist's book: 47k]

The origami models are based on a peace dove by Alice Grey in "The Origami Handbook" by Rick Beech. Refolding the dove's tail changes it to the North American Common Raven, Córvus córax, identified by its wedge-shaped tail.

All papers are acid free. Additional materials include Tyvek hinges, Ph-neutral PVA glue, Golden and Daniel Smith acrylics, plus a final coat of Renaissance Wax on the book pages.

Each book is a signed, unique variant in its series. The number is the completion date of the book.

Books: 5 pages, approximately 9 1/4 x 6 1/4 x 1/2 inches (24 x 16 x 1.3 cm), number of pages varies. Slipcases: approximately 9 5/8 x 6 3/8 x 1 inches (24 x 16 x 2.5 cm)

For available books in this series go to my artist's books catalog.

Figure 3: Out of the Ark: Raven's Flight 05.12.20 showing slipcase

[Out of the Ark: Raven's Flight, artist's book: 53k]