zine: Small, self-published magazine. Usually done by one person, occasionally a group of people, about whatever subject the editor cares to discuss. Issued irregularly and sometimes sporadically in small print runs with circulations ranging from 50-10000.
art(ist's) book: One of a kind or very limited edition book, usually done by one person, using book arts techniques to create a book which is both a work of literature and sculpture. May employ hand-binding, handmade paper, unique inserts, unusual materials (wood, transparencies, &c.), linoleum printing, &c.
art zine/ lofi art book: Zine or low budget artist's book utilising some of the above book arts techniques, but done on a lower budget and in larger quantity, usually 5-100.
what others have to say:
Less (To Avoid Suffocation): "I think that the greatest thing that separates our work from ART BOOK and ARTIST BOOK and labels us more along the lines of a zine is our intent. I don't think any of us create these things to be displayed or only looked at. I think we all create them to be handled, read repeatedly and inspected- and as much as we hate to recognize that fact, they are disposable.
"secondly- we use reproductive means that are not archival- even if any copies make it past 10 years the posibility of photo copies on acid riddled paper making it past 30 is very low. Some of us silk screen, rubberstamps, some use lino cut or potato prints but even still what brand of ink do we use- speedball waterbase- most likely because its cheap and safe. what do we print on? paper, cheap photocopy paper- that has a life span of 15 years before yellowing and 30 before crumbling- It is as if we don't care about the artistic nature of our little books- just that we get it out there.
"I think the last greatest thing about
our lofi books is that they seem to be borne of a deep rooted desire to
express oneself- to make pain, suffering, joy and happiness apparent to
the reader- the holder of our books. We recognize that we have a
need to make these things. I think it's what makes each and
everyone of us working on these things and artist. We're bucking
the artistic norm and making what we want and how we want."
Kyle Bravo: "Now for a few thoughts on the difference between art zines/lo-fi books and other stuff. I think one thing that sets what we do apart from other zines is simply that we focus more on the visual aspects of our zines. Not to say that an art zine can't have lots and lots of text, but if so, it's still layed out and presented in a more visually pleasing, or well thought out way. I think there has to be more to an art zine or book than just being pretty, but still at the same time, "prettiness" or attention to the aesthetics of the zine is a big factor in what constitutes something being an art zine or not.
"As far as what sets us apart from most artist's books, i think it's simply that we use materials and mediums that are generally cheaper or more economical than most art books. It might seem that if that's the case then our work would be of lesser quality or less powerful than art books would be, but i completely disagree with this. In fact i think often our work is even more exciting and powerful because we are faced with the challenges of a small budget, and when we can have so little to work with, but then put together a zine or book that still gets its message across then it's just that much more wonderful.
"I also see producing things lofi as a sort of act of rebellion or even a political statement. Art books are expensive, because of this there's no way that the average person could afford to buy one. Thus most people are totally unaware of what is going on with artists books. But with zines and lofibooks, we are literally bringing art into the hands of the people. Our books and zines are affordable and accessable to anyone who has a couple bucks to spare or a zine to trade or a few stamps, and not only to upper class art collectors. I see making lofi books and zines as an act of defiance towards the elitist, pretentious attitudes often found in the art world. I think it's a shame that art is so expensive that only the wealthy can afford to buy it. Art should be accessible to everyone. Art should be in the streets, in the hands of the people, in their pockets and booksacks, not just collecting dust in an art gallery, unable to even be touched. This is one of the main reasons i make art zines. I want anyone who wants to have my work to be able to have it. I want people to be able to hold my art and intereact with it. And i most certainly don't want money to keep someone from experiencing what i have to share."