In 2005 when Ellie Brown turned 30, she spent a great deal of time considering the impact of her history on her current life. During this period of introspection, it became clear that her lovers and boyfriends where a very large part in shaping who she had become as an adult female. It was at this point she decided to make an altered book for each lover in homage or remembrance of their time together. The books did not judge whether the experience with the man was positive or negative, but rather examined memories and impressions of their time together. The altered books are glued shut, only revealing the front cover and the altered interior. Imagery and symbols in the books are a language between Ellie and the man who the book was made for. The books are not made to make fun or embarrass the men but truly examine memories from their experience together, whether it was five years or one night. Most men responded positively to the project with the exception of one ex-boyfriend who responded ‘I am married and do not care to read this book’. Ellie was unable to locate many of the men to send them a digital copy of their book but found it even more difficult to contact some men who she had rather not speak to again. She saw all of the connected emotions as part of the process of the project. As a whole, the books represent an important part of Ellie’s autobiography and a larger social inquiry into what separates love, sex and romance for a contemporary woman.

The show runs through December 5th, 2009
http://www.elliebrown.com