Megan Dubinski
Kevin Steele: Book Critique
Kevin Steele, an incredible book artist who mostly focuses on moveable books and paper
engineering. Steele has two jobs, one being a graphic designer and the other, a book artist. His
work has been published all around the world, including being collected. Steele seems to think
while reading a book interacting with it at the same time “enhances visual communication,”
engaging the reader’s attention. Steele has also been teaching a significant amount of time,
going from instructor to professor.
Critique:
Kevin Steele, the book artist, has created a beautiful book known by the name of “Val Di
Funes” by its Italian name, or “Villnoss,” it’s German name. I couldn’t find the publisher of the
book so I’m assuming the artist published it himself on January 23rd, 2012. As far as I can tell,
this book has no binding as it is an accordian book, folding in and out just like the musical
instrument, the accordion. This book shows a beautiful green alpine landscape, including big
grayish brown rocks which are supposed to represent mountains “based on a valley in northern
Italy.” I’m going to say that this is an interactive picture book only because the reader can move
around the pages, creating their own idea of scenery. There are no words besides the title, which
is on the front and back of this piece of art. Some paratext is shown in this book by using hidden
pockets, to slide which pieces of the book you want showing or hidden. This book really stands
out to me because everything is green, but a different hue or even blue colors. On each section
of the book there are different little patterns, all standing out from one another. I find it really
interesting because it’s a pop up book and those are my personal favorites. It keeps your focus
engaged on the book, not boring you half to death. I think the artist is maybe trying to express ...