I have never thought so much about chickens

Who knew it was so fun making altered books? This is my second, a pecked-up copy of The Mating and Breeding of Poultry, which will join the chiyogami chicks and eggs for the First Unitarian show that opens Sunday. My other altered book is Religious History.

One thing that amazes me is how tough books are. Tucked and folded between covers, paper's not as perishable as it seems—yet another way that books stand the test of time.

Creed and consequences: The making of "Religious History"

Even as I contemplate a "No new projects" New Year's resolution, I couldn't help but devote this week to fine-tuning the installation of two new works that'll be part of Artspace Out of Bounds, showing through January at Blackfish Gallery, 420 N.W. Ninth Ave, Portland, OR.

Born of serendipity and frustration with how religious conflict plays out (historically, now, and likely the future), the work above—entitled Religious History—combines an 1877 Christian creed with nails. I've since learned these four-sided old-school nails are called "cut" nails—even better.

After I stumbled upon this handsome but not readily accessible (it's in German, for starters) hardbound book and had an idea what to do with it, it was months before I got up the nerve to pick up the hammer. As a bookbinder, I felt a bit chagrined to "do harm." Physically, it was harder than I thought it would be. It also felt kind of good.

The opening reception for Artspace Out of Bounds is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 6. I'd love to see you there! Regular gallery hours run 11 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday.