Barbara Alexandra Szerlip began experimenting with 'throw away' books in 2004, rescuing discarded books headed for the landfill and giving them a second life as works of art.  In August 2005, The Artists Book Council of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco chose her pieces as the focus of their Summer Event/Studio Visit. This was followed, in December 2005, by a solo exhibit at Goldwasser Rare Books and a second solo exhibit in February, 2007.

She has designed for print (two series of note cards for Pomegranate
Publications: Cultural Myths and Written Kisses) and for several theater venues (sets, costumes, lighting and sound).

Szerlip designed two one-of-a-kind coats,  created from discarded clothing for St. Vincent de Paul's "Discarded to Divine"  charity auction.  The event previewed at the de Young Museum in April, 2007.   Szerlip's "Prenez La Lune" coat was awarded " Best-in-Show".

When not constructing sculpture from discarded books,  Szerlip writes for a living.  She is currently at work on a book about maverick industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes.  She is a two-time National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellow, and has conducted in-depth interviews with W.S. Merwin (Pulitzer poet), Isabel Allende (Chilean novelist) and Aggie Rodgers (Academy-Award-winning costume designer), among others. 

The Word "Desire"

Handcarved rosewood, old growth walnut, brass, Amate paper, book
28.5 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches

$750

La Marquise
16  x 12 x 12  inches
mink, satin, fabric, ribbon, wood, vintage erasers

Improbable Machine (With Feathers)

  15 x 6.25 x 16
$1750

The Sea Anemone Book

wood, brass, rubber and cloth work gloves, aquarium paper.
edition of 4 with original text
$300

Out of Africa

16 x 22 inches with rotating base. wood, metal, leather, vines, japanese rope, copper sheeting, porcupine quills,feathers, cowry shells, vintage pandanus mating, rusted nails, two books.
$2500

Is It Art If He Says So (Response to My Critics )

$800

The Mystery of Animal Migration

Antlers, vintage brass, wood, book
16 x 13.5 x 10.5

$900

Narrow Escapes
9.25 x 9.5 x 6.5  inches

The Last Portrait of the Duchess of Alba
14.5 x 18 x 14 inches
brocade shoes, calf skin gloves, fabric, faux jewelry, wood

The Old China Hands
12 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 5 1/4