Book 2013

Experimental book covers for e-books

electronics on paper, fabric

Book 2013 is a series of experimental book covers for e-books. When I created these covers, I was a regular subway rider who liked to read on the train. I shared several pleasant moments with other riders as we caught glimpses of each other's intriguing novels and magazines. Occasionally, we'd be immersed in the exact same book (Lean In...Stranger in a Strange Land...the list goes on!).

When I switched to a Kindle, these moments of connection no longer occurred. My sleek device gave no hint of what I might be reading on the inside. I begin to wonder..when our reading material is dynamic and digital, how could I reveal what was inside?

For my experiments, I chose electronic materials that would complement my handmade covers. These materials included thermochromic pigments, embroidered speakers, and nitinol, as well as LCD displays and LEDs.

A detail view of a circuit board on the inside of a book cover. The background is dark red with gold fabric.

A gold fabric book cover with a fabric peacock. LEDs on the peacock's tail illuminate to show book progress.

The front of a book cover shows thermochromic wire changing the color of a peacock's tail to show book progress. — Thermochromic elements showing book progress

An LCD embedded into a red and gold book cover shows a quotation from the book 1984, "Freedom is slavery". — LCD screen showing book quotations

A tablet is inside of a custom protective cover that resembles a decorative book. On the left, the inside cover has mint paper, circuit boards painted with glitter, and copper electronics traces.