Guy Laramee’s Carvings Prove that Books Can Transport Us to Incredible New Worlds

Voracious readers know that magical, fantastical realms lurk within the pages of every book, but actually seeing a tome transformed into a real, physical wonderland is another experience entirely. Montreal-based artist <a href="http://www.guylaramee.com/" target="_blank">Guy Laramee</a> carves dusty old encyclopedias and stacks of books into jaw-dropping landscapes, complete with mountain ranges, temples, volcanoes, and caves. Laramee's miniature masterpieces show that every book is a world all its own - read on to see the beauty for yourself!

It's almost like looking at the wonder captured within the book's written pages, isn't it?

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Guan Yin is a series of art pieces dedicated to the forces that enable people to deal with traumatic situations, grief or pain.

Laramee reflected on such emotions when his mother passed away, and was inspired by the images of the Japanese <a title="Guy Laramee's New Incredible Topographic Carvings on Books" href="http://inhabitat.com/40-tons-of-japanese-tsunami-debris-land-on-alaskan-island/" target="_blank">tsunami</a>.

Those traumatic situations inspired the artist to create new, magnificent art that is both melancholic and strong.

As catharsis for his own feelings of sorrow and pain, Guy Laramee created gorgeous snowy and grass-topped mountains from old books and encyclopedias.

He sums up his inspiration and personal experiences on his webpage, with the quote: "Our love for mountains will heal us".

Each carving draws the viewer into a place of introspection and peace.

You can see more of his work at <a href="http://www.guylaramee.com/">Laramee's Website</a>

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