In the Beginning by Ann Hechle

B4332. In the Beginning: A Journey into Meaning through the Making of a Calligraphic Work by Ann Hechle. 2020. 28pp. 9.45"x 7.87". Paper

In this copiously illustrated, full-color book, Ann Hechle shares with us her creation of this famous work: the outside references considered, the decisions made, the questions that arose, and what understandings were revealed. Organizing such a wealth of information into a coherent form meant many rough drafts where she shuffled things around: exploring, rearranging, and making surprising discoveries. Through it all, the work becomes a living and growing being, and the piece becomes the result of a process rather than an aim to be achieved. The original work measures 35" x 28" and was completed in 1984. The texts include two intertwined passages from the Bible and a modern poem by English poet David Gascoyne.