Tamar Stone’s Corset Books

The upcoming issue of Ampersand includes Debbie Kogan’s profile of book artist Tamar Stone. She makes one-of-a-kind books using antique corsets, linens and beds as substrates, then embroiders them with original texts from women’s stories and writings (many from the 1800s). She says

Inspired by my own experiences [with wearing a brace to correct scoliosis as a teen-ager], my books capture moments in women’s lives when issues of appearance, self esteem and assimilation become paramount due to physical restrictions placed on the body, either by fashion or by medical necessity.

Her website is a treasure trove of photos of her work, and you can also read the texts she uses. Be sure to check it out. Below is a detail of one of her works, …to make her look her best (the White Corset Book) from 2002.

Detail of …to make her look her best (the White Corset Book) c. 2002
Antique Quilted Vest Corset, with bone buttons
Height: 10 1/2” (16” with shoulder straps)
Width closed: 11”
Width opened: 18 3/4”