Literary Essences by Wendy Fernstrum

Literary Essences by Wendy Fernstrum

As the author states, Literary Essences plays with the idea of literature as an elixir- a "you are what you read" approach to wellness. This is a sensory, mind-body literary experience that amuses and tantalizes in its sense of its own valid purpose, and in its intricate and humorous design and creation. The artist explains that this is a step by step guide to the use of literary essences as natural health remedies for emotional and spiritual well-being. The 'book' consists of 26 vials of literary essences, each labeled with the title of a book and containing small discs of paper purportedly cut from the pages of the first editions of those books, along with a scent "that captures the precise and particular odor" that is representative of the emotional content of those works. "Each essence cures, alleviates, or engages certain feelings, symptoms, or conditions." An accompanying bound volume titled "Literary Essences-A Practical Overview" is a guide to how the essences should be used for best effect. The book also poses searching questions to enhance the reader's experience with each book. In addition, the guide offers a pseudo-scientific explanation of how the literary essences are extracted, distilled, infused. The guide issues a cautionary piece of advice as well: that "the essences not be used as are drugs or even herbal remedies, because literary essences are soul remedies." At the same time there is the suggestion that the essences can "facilitate remarkable changes in physical health." Examples of such effects are given. For example "someone taking "On Walden Pond" essence to treat a life of quiet desperation may feel an acute awareness of oppression before being able to live independently." By the same token, asking about Milan Kundera's "Identity"-"Do you feel a vague sense of panic over the thought that, essentially, you're no different than any other schmuck in the world?" Discussing Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" the question is asked of the user "Do you believe life is randomly meaningless?" To be used in conjunction with the "Practical Overview" is a series of cards representing each title, identifying the "positive qualities" and the "patterns of imbalance" that each work might elicit.

Literary Essences is contained in a clam-shell box with a pair of tweezers for handling the scent-infused discs of paper.

This is a remarkable work in itself, combing literature, homeopathy, body-mind-spirit philosophies, and a great deal of tongue-in-cheek humor.

Literary Essences by Wendy Fernstrum (25 x 29 cm) published by Fernwerks Press in Minneapolis, MN

2000 in an edition of 25 copies signed by the author. The copy in the Herron School of Art and Design Artists' Books collection is number 15.