The Book of Anetẓar is a limited edition artist book (only 3 copies, signed and numbered). It was inspired by the art of Persian miniature paintings. A little story accompanies the book, shedding some light on the narrative elements of the image.
The original artwork (watercolor) was reproduced using fine art archival inks and paper (Arches Velin Museum rag, printed in Edinburgh, UK). The book was then embellished by hand with gold ink, and its back decorated with hand-cut stamps.
The binding is entirely made by hand with luxurious shot cotton, vintage Japanese silk and silk thread. I looked for the best materials for their beauty and durability, and tried to source them locally when possible.
The book measures approximately 19x19cm when folded or 19x45 cm opened flat.
The artwork is also available as a limited edition print embellished with gold, or as a regular print, both available on my shop. To enquire about purchasing one of the 3 copies of the book, please contact me at hello@maharel.com

The book and prints were first presented at the Fruitmarket Gallery (Edinburgh) at the Artist Book Market in February 2018.

Personal work, 2018

Fox is one of my Silent Stories artist books, first presented at the Artist's Bookmarket in February 2017 (Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh). These stories without text have been drawn in pencil and then reproduced on fine art watercolor paper, hand-bound by me in a hardback collector and paperback concertina books.

Fox begins with a boy walking through a white forest, where not all things are as they seem...

The artist books are available in my online shop.

Bird is one of my Silent Story artist books, presented at the Artist's Bookmarket in February 2017 (Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh). These stories without text have been drawn in pencil and then reproduced on fine art watercolor paper, hand-bound by me in a hardback collector and paperback concertina books.

Bird shows what happens in a victorian aviary when coats are large enough for one's purpose.

The artist books are available in my online shop.

'Tiger Tiger' is a limited edition artist book created for the Frankenstein 2018 exhibition at the Liverpool Central Library and Kirkby Gallery (17 Sept 2018 - 26 Jan 2019).

Mary Shelley's powerful story inspired me to reflect on the influence between creator and creature. I was interested in how the maker's intentions are inevitably altered by the materials, the surrounding world, and ultimately the nature and self-determination of the creature itself. The book is reversible : duality, complementarity and opposition form the basis of the design. Two mirrored tigers, feeding on each other, give life to little characters. One tiger creates demons that progressively transform into angel-like creatures, while for the opposite tiger the situation is inverted, the newly born angels evolve to become demons. Banners of molecule/flower designs illustrate the growing complexity and loss of control in the evolution of the characters.

I hoped to portray the creator/creation ideas of the original story in a new way, that can prolong the reflection even further.

Fine art print reproduction of an original ink and pencil illustration, embroidered by hand with 5 different cotton and metallic threads. Textiles. Hardcover binding embellished with hand-carved stamp designs.

Limited edition of 4, signed and numbered - 2018

Danse du Grelot is an imaginary ritual. A little man gets carried away by the pure joy and freedom of movement. A reminder that doing things, anything, with intention, honesty and joy carries its own rewards.

This is a fine art reproduction of an original work in watercolor, printed on luxurious Hahnemühle Bamboo paper (Giclee print, acid free, archival quality, 290 gsm paper) and hand-bound by me in Edinburgh. The 3 stamps decorating the cover were hand-carved especially for this story. A cotton cord closes the book, with a wild silk pompon (cocoons for this silk are harvested from wild silk moths, but only after the moths have hatched).

Size folded = 12.5 x 17 cm
Printed in the UK

This is a limited edition of 30, signed and numbered, with a hardback cover. A smaller, open edition of the artist book is also available (last photo).

You can purchase Danse du Grelot in the limited edition here, or the pocket edition here.