
The Pocket Sky Atlas
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Other Contributors
Christopher Christian Sturn (author); Luke Howard (author); Thomas Cole (author); Gretel Ehrlich (author); Oscar Wilde (author); J. K. Atwood (author); National Weather Service (authors); Henry David Thoreau (author); Maria Mitchel (author); Willa Cather (author)
Description
The Pocket Sky Atlas by Stephanie Wolff is a carefully crafted book that begins with its design, featuring a small rectangular box that echoes the book's cover material. Upon opening, readers encounter a title page and a poignant dedication that reads "For all those who look up," setting the tone for a contemplative exploration of the sky.The interior of the book is thoughtfully designed, with monotype depictions of skies occupying the right-hand pages, accompanied by carefully selected quotes on the corresponding left pages. These quotes represent a diverse range of voices—from renowned historical figures to more obscure, everyday observers—creating a rich tapestry of human perspectives on the celestial landscape. Each sky is rendered in full bleed, using a palette limited to blue and gray, which creates a sense of simplicity and depth. The book's innovative design includes a stepped foredge, where each page is slightly shorter than the one preceding it. This clever technique allows the edges of multiple skies to be visible when the book is first opened, creating a layered visual experience. A particularly engaging feature is found at the book's conclusion: a pocket containing a volvelle. This spinning overlay reveals small, intricate portions of the sky, each meticulously matched to the interior page illustrations. This interactive element invites readers to engage more deeply with the visual narrative. Ultimately, the work is a profound meditation on the sky, celebrating humanity's enduring fascination with and appreciation of the celestial realm throughout centuries of observation and wonder.
Publisher
Self-Published
Subject
Nature, weather, clouds, sky
Extent
"4.25” x 6.25” x .375” 10.795cm x 15.875cm x 0.9525cm"
Style
Hardcover, pamphlet-bound
Material
Created with paper, cloth, board, ink, thread, and eyelet.
Technique
Letterpress printed text and monotype printed imagery.
Date
2023
Recommended Citation
Wolff, Stephanie, "The Pocket Sky Atlas" (2023). Rollins College Book Arts Collection. 155.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/book_arts/155
Exhibit Location
N/A

Other Information
Was created with support from the Maine Media Workshops + College’s Book Artist in Residence award. Edition number 6 of 14. Further details and images available at https://www.stephaniewolffstudio.com/artist-books/view/1191568/2/7353328.