Black Rose Press ~ Texas
( Susan Kae Grant )

Radioactive Substances
By Susan Kae Grant
Dallas, Texas: Black Rose Press , 1994 - 1997. Edition of 20.

5 x 6 x 2" hinged lead box containing test tubes and book. Quotations and illustrations printed on lead pages, spiral bound. Text paraphrased from Eve Curie's biography of her mother printed on scrolls slipped into glass test tubes.

Susan Kae Grant: "It is an interpretation of Marie Curie's graduate dissertation, which was presented at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, in 1903. While illustrating her scientific research, it provides a personal look into her life as mother, wife, scientist, the dangerous conditions she worked in, and consequently the physiological effects she and her husband suffered.

"Each book contains 15 photographs and 15 text pages that juxtapose historic photographic images with text illustrating summaries written from Curie's experiments on the scientific discovery of Radium. The pages are made out of one pound lead sheeting. The photographic images were scanned from a variety of historic sources and printed directly on the surface of the lead using the Polaroid Emulsion Transfer Process.

"Theoretically, this bookwork artistically portrays and examines the life of Marie Curie while addressing feminist issues related to the exclusion of women in science. It chronicles her life and achievements as a scientist and articulates her ability to balance her obsession for knowledge and scientific inquiry with her duties as a wife and mother."

Radioactive Substances was created for the exhibition Science and the Artist’s Book held at the Smithsonian Institution.
$5,800 copy 18
$8,000 copy 19
$10,000 copy 20

The Wink, The Kiss, The Slap
By Susan Kae Grant
Dallas, Texas: Black Rose Press, 1987-88. Edition of 15.

3 x 4 x 3" plexiglas box with 3 flip books in drawers. Books: 3 x 2" miniatures bound in fur. Letterpress printed.

Susan Kae Grant: "Inspired by failed relationships, [this work] consists of three miniature flip books bound in rabbit fur and contained in a plexiglas jewel box. On the surface, the books appear to be light and entertaining. However, upon closer examination the tiny flip books become painful symbols and reminders of the growing number of dysfunctional relationships in the culture. Beginning with the courting process, the reader is introduced to familiar issues such as 'pursuit,' 'trust,' 'response,' and 'deception.' The combinations of materials (fur and cubic zirconium) represent symbols used in society for enticement. The transparent and closed quality of the box entices the viewer, yet also provides a barrier much as the behavior that shapes human relationships.

"The three fur-bound books are presented in a treasure like chest with a 'man made' diamond mounted in the pull of each drawer. Fur and diamonds symbolize and represent the status people are encouraged to search for in relationships and the treasures the consumer industry has taught them to expect."The three fur-bound books are presented in a treasure like chest with a 'man made' diamond mounted in the pull of each drawer. Fur and diamonds symbolize and represent the status people are encouraged to search for in relationships and the treasures the consumer industry has taught them to expect.

"Repetitive text is printed letterpress on cards stock and contact-size photographs are original laser prints. Each of the three books is bound in a color chosen symbolically for the intended message. While flipping the pages, the alternation between male and female stares, winks, and kisses is barely noticeable and seems innocent. In the last book, The Slap, gender is hardly decipherable and the physical gesture combined with the color no longer appears innocent."

$1,200 (Two copies available)