About the artist....
Hi!
My name is Myrto and I live in Greece. Making journals is my hobby and my passion. After the sudden passing of my daughter Irinna at the age of 14, I realised that my most important possessions are her journals, so all my books are dedicated to her.
Each book I make is unique on its own right - they are like children to me. I spend some "pregnant" time with each one, until the idea formulates, grows and is ready to be born. Then I start touching the newborn, shaping, cuddling, adding all the necessary elements, so to become a beautiful book.
Sometimes with a soft hand, when I am applying inks or layers of paint. Sometimes with a hard hand and a hammer to shape or round the block. Sometimes with a trembling hand- especially when I feel "compelled" to add one more layer of paint, even though it might end "too much"
Just before the book reaches its adulthood ( i.e. after the book block and cover are ready but not attached), it needs a caress to be able to go on, but also being forever linked with its creator. So I mark its spine.
Sometimes with a song, sometimes with a quote, sometimes with just a wishing well. No one will be able to see it, until the book falls apart -and I make sure that THIS will happen after some lifetimes-. Hopefully by then, she will mean so much to her owner, that a restorator will shape her back. But it is there, it is my strength spell and it will keep whispering my words to my book for ever, no matter how many new bonds she will make.
So next time you hold a handmade book , you will know. It is like a child to someone and it is bound and kept together by love.
Thank you for reading all this - I am looking forward making your next book or album, that will last for generations and will carry your memories a long, long way.
Thanks
Myrto