I sometimes shudder at the idea of old notebooks being altered in any way, but I came across a book that captures what I think is an interesting and beautiful use of old books and journals. Photographer Francesca Woodman bought various old books, notebooks and exercise books at flea markets in Italy in the 1970s. She then used them to create her own artist’s books by adding her photographs and annotations. These works are collected in The Artist’s Books, published by Mack in 2023. Looks like a beautifully produced book. The publisher is sold out, and 2nd hand copies get pricey.

The publisher’s website doesn’t show much of the content, but at the Woodman Foundation website, there are some more detailed images of one of the works that is included, called Some Disordered Interior Geometries:

Sadly, Woodman died shortly after that work was created. You can read more about her life and work here.