Michael Boone, an American artist also known as “boonetheartist,” stands as a testament to the beauty that can emerge when one immerses oneself in the rugged simplicity of life. His art, a fusion of altered book techniques and a deep connection to nature, reflects a lifestyle that is intimately entwined with the elements of rock, stone, water, Sun, and Moon.
Boone’s journey into the realm of altered book art was not a conventional one. His artistic evolution began in Crestone, Colorado, a Buddhist world spiritual center, where he spent two decades living in a self-built art studio, disconnected from the influences and distractions of the modern world. Crestone, known for its free box brimming with unlimited books, became the wellspring of inspiration for Boone’s transformation into an altered book artist.
The free box in Crestone, a treasure trove of discarded books, became the palette for Boone’s artistic exploration. It provided him with a vast array of materials, each with its own unique history and character. The act of repurposing these discarded books was not only an artistic endeavor for Boone but also a way of breathing new life into forgotten narratives.
Living removed from the conveniences of running water, electricity, and bills, Boone found liberation to travel and immerse himself exclusively in his art. The rugged lifestyle, surrounded by the natural elements, became the canvas upon which he painted his creative expressions. His decision to relocate to Taos, New Mexico, where he resides in a cabin built from free materials, further exemplifies his commitment to a life unfettered by modern norms.
Boone’s art is a celebration of simplicity and a harmonious blend of nature and creativity. One of his works, “Buddha and the Chocolate Box,” encapsulates the essence of his artistic philosophy. Through the altered book technique, he weaves together a narrative that juxtaposes the tranquility of Buddha with the indulgence represented by the chocolate box. The work becomes a visual meditation on the coexistence of serenity and temptation in our lives.
Another facet of Boone’s artistic repertoire is his exploration of altered record art. This medium allows him to merge his love for music with his passion for repurposing materials. The juxtaposition of the vintage, often obsolete, records with Boone’s artistic interventions creates a unique visual language that speaks to the impermanence of both music and art.
Boone’s collage work is characterized by a spartan aesthetic, a deliberate simplicity that allows the viewer to focus on the essence of the materials used. His compositions evoke a sense of balance and harmony, mirroring the equilibrium found in nature. Through meticulous layering and arrangement, he transforms ordinary books and records into extraordinary pieces that invite contemplation.
Currently, Boone finds himself in Santa Cruz, California, working on a Starbucks altered book art piece. Even in this urban setting, he continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings, merging the mundane with the profound in his unique artistic language.
In a world that often clamors for attention through constant stimulation, Michael Boone’s art serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty that emerges when one embraces simplicity and connects with the elemental forces of nature. His journey from Crestone to Taos and now Santa Cruz is a testament to the universality of artistic expression and the boundless inspiration that can be found in the most unexpected places. As he continues to sculpt his artistic path, Boone invites us to reconsider our relationship with the discarded, the forgotten, and the natural world, urging us to find beauty in the seemingly mundane.
