DESCRIPTION The Red List: an Alphabet Book of Endangered Species DATE November 2009 DESIGN CREDITS Amber Jensen TYPE CREDITS Engravers

QUANTITY PRODUCED 50 PRODUCTION TIME 2 weeks DIMENSIONS: WIDTH × HEIGHT × DEPTH 6 in × 8 in × 1 in PAGE COUNT 26 PRINT METHOD HP Digital Indigo PAPER STOCK Uncoated Ultra Digital Cover, 100lb NUMBER OF COLORS CMYK OTHER The book is held in a handmade, red, 100% wool envelope with cotton lining with a leather closure and brass rivets. The title is digitally printed on Rives BFK paper and placed in a brass nameplate.

The Red List: an Alphabet Book of Endangered Species is an ambitious project by Amber Jensen who completed the master book (measuring 32 in by 48 feet) after a year of work. Consisting of layered ink drawing on canvas that were then mounted on Rives BFK paper and archival boards, these were then hinged with muslin fabric and hand painted with gold to match the gold foil stamping. The reason behind the book?

Since we rely on the natural world for our survival its study and our awareness of it has always been compulsory. From very early on humankind would classify plants into ones that were edible, poisonous, or of medicinal value, and to recognize animals as potentially dangerous or valuable. Throughout time, the reasons for studying our natural habitats have changed little, and, largely due to our influence, we are faced with an extinction rate higher than any other time in our history. The need for education and action on the conservation of this planet is vitally important to our future.

The Red List: an Alphabet Book of Endangered Species is a piece that is the result of my amateur studies as a natural historian. Beginning my research I was confounded by the immensity of species that were in threat of extinction. With the alphabet book in mind, I chose my list of just 26 species and made an effort to choose from all biomes a varied list of distinctive plant and animal types. From A to Z I wanted this book to be read as a cross section of the entire list of endangered species, and to show the biodiversity needed to build healthy ecosystems.

Having completed the book, Amber set out to create a set of lose cards that would also provide information on each species. With the proceeds going to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, these cards are digitally printed and bound in a hand made red envelope with intricate details. It is always a challenge to transfer a unique hand made piece into a more accessible format, and Amber did a beautiful job in selecting materials and elements that complement each other very nicely.

That red pouch is really cool.

The books are for sale on my etsy site.

www.sketchbook.etsy.com

Thanks!

These are lovely, but considering the subject matter, I'd consider this a failure. Deforestation is the biggest threat to animals. The fact that you used leather is also a strange choice. Dead animal used to try and save animals?

Lovely indeed, good concept and all but i also agree with Alphonse. It doesn't fit or it makes noise the use of wool and leather.

The reason I chose to use leather and wool is because as a craftswoman there is nothing more beautiful and special to me than to work with wool and leather. I understand that some would find this offensive in relation to the subject matter but I do not see it that way. First of all, all of the materials were salvaged. I felt that by creating a beautiful object I was in some way paying homage to the animals. Leather and wool are natural materials and relate to the piece so much more than if I were to use a cheap vinyl and some polyester man made fabric. The wool and leather have come to me as a product of industry. Sheep and cattle are not animals that are anywhere near extinction. Its not like I'm using the skin of endangered animals.

As far as deforestation being the top main reason for the decline of many species, I totally agree. This piece was a documentation of ALL of the threats on species. In order to make conservation attempts we need to understand it from all angles. I don't see this piece as failure.

This is a lovely piece and not at all a failure.

I understand the sensitivity around the leather and wool elements. I think the leather, perhaps, is the most questionable material. Personally, I'd like to see the pouch with just the red wool and brass. I don't find the color or finish of the leather attractive. But I wouldn't condemn the project because of it.

The drawings, however, are sophisticated and beautiful. Very nice work Amber.

I wonder at the choice of tiny brown text in all-caps on a textured brown background . . .

Salvaged materials have another meaning and tell another story. I think it is important to note that.

:)

Excellent words Amber. Glad to hear you used salvaged materials. I take back what I said, as I saw it as a failure due to an unnecessary use of resources. I'm a big of an animal nut, so forgive me if I was out of line.

I think as designers, we're more of a threat than a friend. The best thing we can do if we don't want to lose our animals, is to change the way we think about each project. Whether its using less ink and materials, or saying no to that unnecessary die cut, it can add up.

I love everything about this, I also enjoyed looking at your other pieces on ETSY!
As a designer myself I appreciate the use of texture and the detail used.