While most people look at an old hardcover book and see a story waiting to be read, some artists see a blank canvas.

 

1 – Emma taylor

U.K.-based artist Emma Taylor brings scenes from classic stories to life by creating amazing sculptures from titles she finds at used book shops.

 

Image via MyModerNet.Com

 

In an interview with My Modern Met, Taylor described book sculpture as “[her] creative outlet to highlight an appreciation of the little things in life.”

 

Image Via MYMOdernNet.com

 

Check out her ever-growing portfolio of other bookish sculptures!

 

2 – Tomoko Takeda

Across the globe, Japanese artist Tomoko Takeda transforms popular titles into ornate works of art by carving away layers of paper.

 

Le Petit Prince, Image via mymodernmet.com

 

Describing her 2014 exhibition titled ものがたりの断片 (monogatari no danpen, meaning “story fragments”), Takeda said, “I made books not to read, but to enjoy looking at.”

 

Flowers for Algernon, Image Via MYModernMet.com

 

 

3 – Thomas Wightman

Thomas Wightman, another British artist, takes book sculpture to the next level with his sculpture of Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct bridge that actually moves!

 

Image Via Mymodernmet.com

 

The Glenfinnan Viaduct has been a Scottish landmark for more than 100 years, but it was made even more famous when it appeared in the Harry Potter movie series. That little train could very well be the Hogwarts Express taking Harry, Hermione, and Ron to another year at the finest school for witchcraft and wizardry.

 

Image via Mymodernmet.com

 

These nifty book sculptures are a great way to beautify and bring new life to old favorites. Would you ever try to do this to one of your books?

 

 

 

Featured Image Via MyModernMet.com