World of Knowledge - Three is the third in the series from a children's encyclopedia series published in 1954. This is two books back-to-back with carvings on three sides for a full three-dimensional approach. It has various random images depending on the subject as printed. Nothing was added, colored or modified, only the removal of unwanted sections. The color is from spot color prior to more prolific four-color print was more common in mid-century due to cost. Most of the images are black-and-white mixed with color pages making this a truly unique art piece.
Shane uses aged reference books deemed too have no value, like medical guides, journals, encyclopedias to bring new life to books that would otherwise be discarded. Glue seals the pages in their original printed location decided by the publisher, leaving the page revelations to the artist imagination. Layers are removed to reveal images randomly. With no plan, the artist simply finds an interesting image, carves around the photo, diagram or drawing and adds cut lines, insets and other random elements to provide an artistic view into the past, the book and the pages as they were intended by the printer. Exposing the images in their original form, location and placement on the page gives the viewer a greater appreciation of printed material from a gilded age, when print media was becoming mass produced and information becoming readily available prior to todays digital format. Each page is carved delicately with stainless steel hardened medical scalpels to create a three dimensional affect.
By using old discarded printed material, Shane brings new life to an item that would normally be destined to the trash bin, landfill or growing mold in some attack or basement.
