I've been reading since I started school. I didn't just take to reading like a duck to water, more like a bird to flight. I've never looked back and haven't landed yet. I go into book withdrawal if I've nothing to read. It's not a pretty sight. Fortunately or unfortunately (for my bank account) with the number of new books I feel compelled to buy, the withdrawal doesn't happen very often. I live within biking distance of two libraries just for back up. And no, a kindle just won't do. I need to feel the paper, turn the pages, inhale the fragrance of printers ink. Old school--that's me.
In college I took my first calligraphy class. I was a frustrated and disillusioned art major and so calligraphy was instant gratification. I might do a rotten job of drawing people, but letters were a snap. I did calligraphy for several years before I was introduced to making simple books. It was a perfect marriage! I could write on something other than a rectangular piece of paper. It could be small. I didn't have to frame it. I could fold it up and put it away. No one could see it unless I wanted them to. It could be my secret.
Then I started making paste paper/paintings and writing on those, next I discovered acrylic glazes and altered books, now I combine all the different surface design techniques that I've learned over the years with drawing, painting and lettering. And along the way I've learned lots of book forms and come up with a few variations of my own.
I've taught some book art classes (one last year for the local art museum--whoohoo!), mostly so that I would have a reason to make books, and a couple of workshops here and there. I do it for the love of the book; the book form, the feel of the book in my hand, the colors and textures and text.
It is true that I am addicted to books and book arts or possibly obsessed--is there a difference? But I figure it's a healthy addiction/obsession as they go--no intervention needed. So enough of my history. I want this blog to be about what I'm doing--to give me another reason to make books, read books and talk about books. Wish me luck
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