Plumb Bob, 2009 Concept, text, and artwork by Harriet Bart Published by Mnemonic Press, Edition of 30 Letterpress on Koch Antiqua and FF Meta on 200 lb Fabriano Artistico Presswork and typography by Philip Gallo at The Hermetic Press Case design, fabrication, and binding by Jill Jevne
In keeping with her practice of presenting cultural artifacts as sculptural objects, Harriet Bart has used the plumb bob as both subject and object in her conceptually based installations for more than two decades. Bart has explored the plumb in many guises: as a building tool, an object of initiation and divination, as a pendulum, and as a metaphor in the search for that which is timeless and true. Plumb Bob, a book object, reflects that extensive body of work. In keeping with the modest origins of the plumb, the binding and case are fabricated from common hardware store materials. The chemical symbol for lead, Pb, is engraved on the brass cover.
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