Bottom of the Lake by Christian Patterson

limited Signed copies available

Bottom of the Lake is a book within a book — an artist book contained within a 256-page facsimile of the artist’s family’s telephone book for his hometown of Fond du Lac (“Bottom of the Lake”), printed in 1973, soon after his birth. The book includes found markings and reproductions of found inserted materials, along with Patterson’s own photographs, drawings, marginalia and other material. Bottom of the Lake playfully juxtaposes different documentary forms and ways of seeing to create a deeply personal, darkly humorous, irreverent “other” book. In addition, the experience of the book is extended beyond its pages by an interactive feature —

A telephone number attached to the book that connects callers with the Bottom of the Lake through over 100 field audio recordings, found archival audio and performances that re-imagine and re-create the artist’s hometown.