In memory of a dear friend, I designed a book plate to be inserted inside the covers of his extensive architecture
book collection, which was donated to the Gunnin Architecture Library at Clemson University.
book collection, which was donated to the Gunnin Architecture Library at Clemson University.
This illustration includes several themes:
- A portrait of John. To me he was a friend, but to the world he was an Anthropologist; an intellectual; a collector; and a direct descendent of the the original John Adams.
- The Hancock building. He loved architecture, and this building in particular resonated with him. While I didn’t work with his books (he basically had a library), this was a huge passion of his.
- A stamp to represent the area in which I mostly worked for him. His collection was huge and comprehensive. Even envelopes with canceled stamps were handled with care.
- A traditional hut from the French Congo. He was fascinated with indigenous cultures and even met his wife in the field. His daughter is a diplomat and was living in the Congo at the time, but their entire family shared this common interest. The significance of this structure is to show the beauty in contrast between that and something as advanced as a skyscraper.
- This particular hut has a “Heaven Hole” on top, which is believed the be how the soul is able to escape to the heavens.
John was a dear friend and great influence of mine. You can read the rest of our story here.