Jackson Pollock, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mary Cassatt and other artists are best known for their paintings, drawings and other visual works. But their creative spirit spilled over into other areas of their lives, including their correspondence. Drawing on the rich resources of the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Art, Pen to Paper showcases an exuberant, varied collection of letters by these artists and nearly 50 others.
"Handwritten letters are performances on paper," writes Mary Savig, curator of manuscripts at the Archives of American Art and editor of this collection. Illustrating her words with plentiful full-color scans of the letters, Savig explores the overlapping connections of handwriting, visual art, public image and private relationships. Arranged alphabetically by artist, the letters then provide vivid (if sometimes barely decipherable) glimpses into the lives of their creators. Many entries are embellished with sketches, drawings and unusual lettering that often (but not always) reflects the artists' signature styles. Each letter is accompanied by a brief essay from a scholar or curator, giving historical background or providing artistic context. For those eager to read every word, transcriptions of each letter appear at the end of the book. Where available, photographs of the artists and their work round out each entry. Readers may enjoy the variety of letterhead, formatting and marginalia as well as the handwriting.
Engaging and unusual, Pen to Paper is a celebration of correspondence and a treasure trove for those who love both visual art and the written word. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams