In his work he began with an existing book and sealed its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. He cut into the surface of the book to dissect through it from the front. Working 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. His 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.

Dettmer is originally from Chicago, where he studied at Columbia College. He currently lives and works in Atlanta, GA.