Book art is not a new form of art, in fact ever since digital era took over our lives, many artists have been inspired to convert books in to artworks. Although many might object destruction of books in the name of art, but then think about it...isn't it always better to create something artistic rather than piling away books eating dust somewhere in your attic?

We've featured many artists on our blog who create beautiful and original book art. Su Blackwell for example, re-creates fairy tales through her three-dimensional book art. Another beautiful example is Jeremy May who creates jewelry from books.

And today, we would like to share "The Book Surgeon's" incredibly intricate book art. Brian Dettmer got this nickname for his careful carvings and very active imagination. Here's what he has to say about his artwork:

"I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements exactly where they have been since their original conception."