The Book of Recovery
Victoria M. Chin
The Book of Recovery, 2026. Artist book, handset type letterpress, and relief print. 6.25″ x 104″
The Book of Recovery is a 16 page accordion book that highlights and documents the steady rise of species recovered during the first quarter of the 21st century.
Over the years, wildlife has been threatened by human activities such as climate change, habitat loss, overexploitation, and pollution. Along with these, the introduction of non-native species has increased competition and the spread of diseases. Others were poached from the wild for the illegal pet trade.
While it is easy to focus on the dire state of the environment, rescue and conservation organizations have made numerous accomplishments. Several species have been saved from extinction, whereas others have recently been delisted from the endangered status.
The use of art to record zoology has always been a method of documentation that I admire and incorporate in my practice. Two forms that I have come to enjoy are using printmaking and artist books as archival mediums.
Given the organic effects of hand carving, the process of relief printing embodies the physical works to protect our wildlife. Each element within an illustration is inked separately, and reassembled to be printed as one utilizing the jigsaw method. This mirrors the multiple individual actions done by conservation teams, such as captive breeding, habitat restoration, and reintroduction, which together transform into a larger impact on the natural world. The process of setting traditional handset type not only serves as a method for recording historical achievements but it also reflects the evolving ecological restoration.
The form of an accordion aims to visually represent the timeline of the rise of endangered species. Highlighting the accomplishments of environmental preservation while documenting the ongoing efforts to restore our ecosystem and biodiversity. I hope The Book of Recovery creates a reassuring sensation by reminding us of the numerous impacts done by conservation work.
Installation in front of the ECU Library + Archives
Behind the Scenes
Printing the riparian brush rabbit design and text
Iberian lynx movable type and print
Block printing the island fox and setting up the Nolan Proof Press to print the text
Inking up separate pieces to print the giant panda
Type setting the green turtle and pulling it through the press
Carved matrix and printed design of the green turtle
Stamping the surrounding elements
Carving and printing the golden lion tamarin
Other Artworks
Underwater Reforestation, 2025. Artist book, acrylic on watercolour paper, and natural wood. 12.75″ x 11″
Sunny Wildlife, 2025. Artist book and relief print. 4.5″ x 4.5″
Tide Pool Secrets, 2025. Artist book, acrylic gouache, coloured pencils, watercolour monotype, and relief print. 4.75″ x 6″
Distorted Islands, 2025. Artist book and watercolour on paper. 18″ x 24″
Symbiosis: Mutualism & Commensalism, 2024. Watercolour on paper. 6.25″ x 4.75″
