A Way Out of the Mirror: A Unique Artist Book by Stefan Canuel

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Literature

The book features over two hundred drawings by Farmer, deliberately printed on thin paper to allow the drawings on the verso of each page to show through. The main character, an exaggerated form of a praying mantis, serves as a self-portrait of the artist as a young man. Titled after an Allen Ginsberg poem, A Way Out of the Mirror takes readers on a visual journey through evocative imagery and symbols.

Working closely with Farmer, Canuel aimed to design a book that would complement the artist's exhibition in the Canada pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale. The exhibition showcased a series of bronze sculptures, each drawing inspiration from Farmer's personal history, including his relationship with his father and a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his grandfather.

The book's design perfectly captures the essence of Farmer's artwork. The drawings, created specifically for the book, are both visually striking and emotionally poignant. The simplified style of the drawings ensures readability, while the evocative imagery leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

At the end of the book, a glossary of terms compiled by curator Kitty Scott provides further insight into the artist's approach to the exhibition. The special edition of the book is packaged in a personalized Tyvek pink envelope, chosen for its outstanding water resistance to complement and withstand Farmer's sculptural waterworks.

The technical specifications of A Way Out of the Mirror are impressive. The casebound, round-back book consists of 268 pages, printed in four colors process on Artic Paper; Munken Print White (80 g/m2). The cover and spine are letterpress printed with Pantone black ink on light linen fabric, while the sleeve is printed full bleed on four sides in Pantone yellow with type knockoff on clear polypropylene.

The project, which started in November 2016 in Ottawa, Canada, and concluded in April 2017 in Firenze, Italy, required extensive research and collaboration. Canuel's meticulous approach involved analyzing past catalogues, studying market trends for contemporary art books, and understanding Farmer's artistic vision. The development phase included creating multiple concepts and presenting inside spreads for review.

One of the main challenges Canuel faced was striking a balance between respecting the artist's work and adding another dimension to the final product. The goal was to create a book that would be an object in its own right, complementing and enhancing Farmer's artwork.

A Way Out of the Mirror has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2018, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Print and Published Media Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

A Way Out of the Mirror is a testament to the power of collaboration and the seamless integration of art, design, and storytelling. Stefan Canuel's innovative approach and attention to detail have resulted in a truly unique artist book that captivates and inspires readers.