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Local artist Teresa Harris, assistant professor of art at Missouri Western State University, makes books. Not writes books, makes books — out of a mixture of media to reflect the power and significance of the physical object rather than the words on their pages. You can read between the lines of Harris’ work at her exhibit at The Yost Gallery at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan.

Q. What medium do you work in?

A. My works are mixed media constructions that involve a variety of materials and techniques. I often use the shape of the book form as the foundation for my work. Usually I begin by building a three-dimensional book structure from wood. The materials I integrate into each piece are determined by the story I have to tell. Often I incorporate handwritten text and found objects. These items are then placed in small, recessed niches within the book pages. Layers of ink and paper are added to the surface to create a sense of depth and texture, and all the work is coated with beeswax to add warmth and richness. Often I will finish the edges of the work with metal, primarily brass and copper, to convey a sense of age and history.

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Q. Describe your work.

A. My work is primarily autobiographical, though not in an obvious way. I work in a non-representational way, so symbolism and suggestion saturate my work. I am currently working on two mixed-media series, “Bound” and “Ferns.” The “Bound” series alludes to the universal concept and the historical significance of books. I pay reverence to the book form and the power of words and imagery to hold the imagination. Each mixed-media book holds small, protected objects that ultimately become the focal point of the piece. The other series, “Ferns” suggests a more personal vision, one of strong familial relationships. They are stories of a life revisited; pieces of my history that have been kept and protected. The narrative in the series makes connections between life, lineage and land.

Q. What inspires you?

A. I am inspired by anything that tells a story. I relish old books, Byzantine icons and family heirlooms. I am intrigued and fascinated by objects that have a sense of history. I find these tactile items connect the past to present and drive the iconography of my own work.

Q. Where has your work been displayed?

A. In the past year, I have shown work in juried exhibitions in New York, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas. I currently have a solo exhibition in the Yost Art Gallery on the Highland Community College campus, which runs until April 12.

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Q. Do you have any exhibitions in the near future?

A. My husband and I will be having a two-person exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in June 2008, and I have a couple juried exhibitions planned for the fall.

By Blake Hannon

St. Joseph News-Press