Northern Blazing Star: (Liatrus borealis)

Portland, Maine:: Rebecca Goodale,, 2002.. Edition of 5. 11.5 x 7.25 x 1"; 5 two-page spreads. Star carousel book construction. Handcolored silkscreen prints. Bound in purple silk cloth with tipped on illustration. Linda J. Docherty, Catalog of the Exhibition, Catalog of the Exhibition: Threatened and Endangered: Artists' Books Created by Rebecca Goodale, 2004:"Because human encroachment on nature more often takes place incrementally, the damage may be done before the consequences are clear. Goodale's Northern Blazing Star anticipates a future in which species survival depends on artificial recreation of natural patterns. This star book focuses on Maine's last grassland, the Kennebunk Plains, home to the grasshopper sparrow, upland sandpiper, black racer, and Northern blazing star. The latter, a rare plant pollinated by yellow butterflies, depends on fire to preserve the character of its habitat. Under normal conditions, lightning would kindle the necessary fire, but the grassland's shrunken size has made nature an unreliable source. Controlled burning now takes place here in three-year cycles, managed by humans in yellow fireproof suits that aptly match the butterflies. Goodale presents a colorful seasonal narrative of conservation and also compensation for what we have done to nature.