200 metres and counting: Longest book project ramps up

PORTARLINGTON artist Fern Smith has set the ambitious goal of completing her Guinness World Record breaking art project by November.

Dubbed the “longest book in the world”, Ms Smith is aiming to create a one-kilometre-long community made concertina book, filled with the creative works of locals ranging in age from 2 and 90.

The book, which was started in October 2022, has almost reached 200 metres, the length of four Olympic-sized swimming pools, with more than 390 individuals so far contributing works to the project.

These works range in medium from pencil and paint to collage and embroidery, with each work depicting the things each individual artist loves about Geelong.

“People all respond differently to their own environment,” Ms Smith said.

“You can be abstract. It’s just [about capturing] the feeling of the City of Greater Geelong because it’s such a diverse area.

“You’ve got your beaches, you’ve got your bay, you’ve got your wetlands, you’ve got your farming areas. They’re all different.”

The record for the longest book in the world is currently held by Chinese artist Yang Shuanming, whose concertina book measures more than 814 metres.

For Ms Smith, the idea for the art project was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic and inspired by her own love for the region she has called home since 2019.

“I thought it would be nice just to see what everyone else thought about Geelong, as I grew to love it during lockdown,” she said.

Ms Smith has already locked in several community workshop dates between now and October, at events and venues across the region, with the next taking place this weekend at the Bellarine Agricultural Show, between 9am and 1pm.

She encouraged creatives of all abilities to come along and make their own mark in the book.

“The challenge is on to actually complete it by November and I’d love you to all come along and tell us about your favourite spot or place in the Geelong region.”

For more information, or to see the full list of upcoming workshops where you can contribute to the “Longest Book in the World”, head to fernartz.com/the-longest-book-in-the-world