The Tactile Eye: A Journey Through the Artistry of Paulette Myers-Rich

From Industrial Roots to Artistic Bloom

Paulette Myers-Rich's work isn't simply viewed—it's experienced. Her journey, beginning in 1950s St. Paul, Minnesota, is a fascinating blend of industrial grit and artistic passion. Raised in a working-class family surrounded by factories and mills, she found solace and inspiration in the pages of books, fostering a deep appreciation for the tangible and a love of storytelling.

This early immersion in literature, combined with a vibrant arts scene, ignited a lifelong fascination with photography and filmmaking. As a teenager, Myers-Rich saw herself as an artist, and despite personal challenges, she carved her own path through unconventional educational settings like Film in the Cities, a haven for young creatives.

The Allure of the Artist Book

Myers-Rich's artistry found its truest expression in the handcrafted artist book. For her, the tactile nature of the medium is paramount. "So much of what we see is viewed through glass or screens," she notes, emphasizing the importance of direct interaction with her work. "It all feels slippery to me. The reflections and bouncing light interfere." Her books are meant to be held, felt, and explored, allowing the reader to set their own pace and deepen their connection with the narrative.

This hands-on approach stems from her early days experimenting with Super-8 film, where the physical manipulation of the medium was integral to the creative process. This tactile philosophy extends to her bookmaking, where materials, form, and printmaking methods are meticulously chosen to enhance the story being told.

Ghostly Echoes and Industrial Landscapes

Loss and memory are recurring themes in Myers-Rich's work. "Ghost Poems for the Living," a poignant exploration of grief and aging inspired by the deaths of her parents, beautifully intertwines Shakespearean sonnets with ethereal images of botanicals. These plants, gathered from industrial ruins, symbolize resilience and the enduring presence of life amidst decay.

Her "Work Sites" series, a decades-long project documenting the decline of industrial landscapes, captures a sense of vulnerability and the disappearance of a way of life. These photographs serve as "relics and fragments of an extinction event," documenting the profound impact of deindustrialization on working-class communities.

The Future of Tactile Storytelling

Myers-Rich's passion for artist books extends beyond her own creations. Through No.3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works, her artist-run space, she curates a collection of photo books and works on paper, fostering a community of artists and enthusiasts. Her ongoing work continues to explore the intersection of photography, text, and the handcrafted book, ensuring that the tactile experience remains central to her artistic vision.

Her dream? To have her "Work Sites" series commercially printed and placed in institutional collections, making them accessible to a wider audience and preserving her unique perspective on a pivotal moment in American history. This, coupled with her ongoing exploration of new techniques like "Reconstructures", collages made from disassembled photogravure prints, ensures that her journey of tactile storytelling will continue to evolve and inspire.