Artist’s Statement

My work strives for self-reflection, questioning its own form. Each piece challenges the viewer to rethink the definitions and conventions of its medium. In book art, I seek to create narratives through the object’s physical form and binding.

The book form is a seemingly familiar form that continues to challenge us with its untapped potentials. A piece of text or image can exist in another medium and continues to tell a story, but as soon as it resides inside a “book,” it takes on the qualities of that physical vessel, and the intention of using that vessel instantly becomes part of the message of the piece.

I take pictures of each book I make. Reframed, seen from a completely different perspective, the book becomes something else entirely. The book as physical object is transformed into a unique graphic image. I strive for a harmony between perfection and imperfection in my work. Imperfection creates individuality, and it also generates new possibilities and perspectives.

In 2025, I began working with ceramics. Working with clay lets me experiment with glazes and how they interact with form, bringing a hands on, imperfect quality that echoes the ideas I explore in my book work.

Rapunzel (2009) Cotton cords, Asahi bookcloth, Davey bookboard, Canson paper, linen threads, 2-needle coptic binding 58"w x 35"d x 3.25"h © 2009 Dennis Yuen.
Rapunzel (2009)
© 2009 Dennis Yuen.