Euclid by Raymond Papka, Unique Altered Book Sculpture

Sculpture Details:  “Euclid” is a mixed media assemblage and encaustic painting that consists of an altered book, encaustic medium, oil pigment, images, paper, and found objects embellished with common object which were inspired by the mathematician Euclid. The story underlying the “Euclid” altered book is described by Ray Papka as follows:

“I begin each piece of art that I do with a preconceived title so a story unfolds from my mind as the altered book evolves. I have always been intrigued by math, geometry and great historical scientists – which is probably reflected in my career choice as a scientist (now retired). I decided to undertake this piece of altered book art entitled “Euclid” as homage to one of the earliest and greatest mathematicians, geometrics, inventors, and philosophers. I have done other altered books themed by great historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Newton, Galileo, Copernicus, etc.

Euclid was a Greek mathematician who lived around 300 BC. He is also known as Euclid of Alexandria and is often referred to as the "Father of Geometry". His publication named Elements is one of the most influential works in the history of mathematics, serving as the main textbook for teaching mathematics (especially geometry) from the time of its publication until the late 19th or early 20th century. The background image on this book was taken from published pages of Euclid’s book Elements. In addition, the some of the geometrical images were also obtained from the same source. Other mathematical images and calculations are representative of the time and workings during Euclid’s productive years.

The metal embellishment on the left side of the open book symbolizes industrial manufactures that could have arisen from Euclid’s geometric postulates. The pendulum on the right side of the open book symbolizes Euclid’s work on cones and the use of pendulums in math and construction. My altered books are embellished with objects to represent hinges and knobs to simulate the idea that they open, whereas in fact they are sealed shut. This particular book is secured in an open format.”

The book sculpture measures 13.5” x 9.5” x 2.5”

 About the Artist:  Ray Papka creates incredible works of art from old books. His art is mixed media and combines assemblage, encaustic painting, the use of books and wood panels as substrates, and found objects as relevant embellishments. The beeswax of encaustic painting allows him to generate layers of information in his artwork, but keep it mysterious....almost dreamy and historical. He employs found objects to embellish a piece that is reinvented as a retrospective, pleasant and, sometimes, functional piece of art. His art takes many forms, but keeps a theme of changes, of layers, of old, of memories, of looking back and of reutilization. The artwork he produces ranges from subtle or mysterious to bold and brash.

Ray is a self-taught artist. He completed undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming (B.S. Zoology and Chemistry) and graduate studies at Tulane University (Ph.D. Anatomy and Neuroscience).

Condition Report: The book sculpture is in FINE condition.

A photograph of the book sculpture appears in the photo section of the listing.