I find the book an intimate and personal medium to interpret elements of life experience within my habitat and beyond. My book forms evolve sculpturally using found, organic, and photographic materials. These art works are informed by environmental and personal issues. Nature-altered papers and books empathize with natural cycles and tell stories of life in the wild. They document process and transition in nature and deal with memory and event. Ultimately, I strive to make my book art celebrate a spirit of place and the passing of time.

Mary Ellen Long was born in Los Angeles and lived in North San Diego County before moving to Durango, Colorado 27 years ago. A multi-media artist, she exhibits throughout the wide world of art. She received BA and MA degrees from San Diego State and has received grants from the Colorado Arts Council. Mary Ellen has been a featured artist at The Center for Book Arts in New York City and is now an artist-in-residence at Edgemont Highlands in Durango. Her book art has been placed in collections around the world, such as the Sackner Archive, MOMA Library, UCSD Special Collections, The Athenaeum in La Jolla, CA, Cerritos Library, CA, and the National Museum for Women in the Arts.