We went to the Smith College Museum of Art last Friday evening to see this exhibition and and attend the accompanying talk by the artist.
Daniel Kelm is a bookbinder, teacher, chemist, and fascinating story-teller. His talk was an autobiography of the influences throughout his life that have led him to this point, to the objects in this exhibition. The path from junk-collecting and science-kit experiments as a child, to a degree in chemistry, to a fascination with alchemy and old books, to his current vocation as book-binder was a compelling, and often very humorous story. The talk was in Stoddard Hall’s auditorium, the old science building at Smith.
Kelm gave a parting gift to everyone at the talk: a test tube with cork stopper, filled with a letterpressed card (printed by Art Larson), and a metal scrap from Kelm’s “Templum Elementorum.” We were delighted to collect one as we filed out of Stoddard Hall.
We wandered across the street to the Museum of Art to the reception, at Sam’s Cafe, to mingle and snack on some wine and cheese.
Then upstairs to the Poetic Science Exhibit. We had to wait in line to enter because the gallery was filled to capacity. We got in after a 10-minute wait.
The books were fascinating, innovative, beautiful. Kelm pushes the definition of book in any direction that strikes his imagination. Our favorite is the “Templum Elementorum,” (trans. “Sanctuary of the Elements”). Four glass cylinders corresponding to the four elements (earth, air, fire, water), each containing a book that Kelm says, “reveals the voice of the element.” We tried to slyly take a few photos, but were caught by an alert guard who politely asked up to stop.
“Mars” is another wonderful piece – an exploration of Mars as god of war. An “accordian” book in the shape of a dodecahedron (12-sides) in a display box with three metal pieces: a meteorite, a civil-war era shot, a steel ball-bearing; and two pamphlets. It’s thought-provoking, and beautiful and precious like a treasure box.
The exhibition is on view until February 10th. A companion website is filled with photos of his work, and videos of Kelm talking about his work. Especially fascinating is the video on the “Alchemical Furnace,” in which Kelm demonstrates the old alchemical secret of turning lead into gold in an alchemical furnace that he constructed.
An absolutely fascinating exhibit – very highly recommended.
Art note: This exhibition is part of Bookmarks: A Celebration of the Art of the Book by Museums10, a series of exhibits and events at various locations throughout the Valley.
