What exactly do you do with a phone book once it’s no longer accurate or useful? I’ve heard of people doing everything from using them for fire kindling to toilet paper; but creating sculptures? That’s a new one. 

Meet Alex Queral, the man who creates works of art from phonebooks.  From famous faces (such as President Barack Obama) to abstract pieces of creativity, Alex Queral uses the forgotten relics of an ever growing society to create work that is memorable both for it’s distinctive style and its resourcefulness.

How does he do it?  With a phonebook, a razor blade and a little bit of acrylic. 

The books are left in their pliable state while he works on them with only the occasional use of acrylic to keep the work together while it’s in progress.  Sometimes when the pieces are finished he paints them to add depth and character; other times he uses a simple backwash to create highlights.  The non-painted works develop a patina as they age, lending ever more character to the pieces.


When he’s finished with the work the books are sealed using acrylic.  If you’d like to see his work in person or online it is currently being displayed by the Projects Gallery a part of “Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties.”

 

Alex Queral - Soul Singer

Alex Queral - Superman Retires

Alex Queral - Master of Suspense

Alex Queral - Ed

Alex Queral - Mississippi Man