handmade books

Accordion Book Class @ Essex Art Center

2010, artist book, handmade books / /
Accordion books in various shapes ©2010 linda germain
I am pleased to share that I am offering an accordion book workshop at the Essex Art Center.  Just one day and you will be showing off your art in a book form. These are the details:
56 Island St. Lawrence, MA 01840
Tel: 978-685-2343 Email: info@essexartcenter.com
Date:  Saturday, September 25th, 10 am -2 pm, $40

We will create the basic form and then use collage and printmaking techniques to complete the book. Bring your our imagery and ideas and we can incorporate them into the process. The accordion is a great way to show off a series of prints, tell a story or display small artwork. EAC provides materials. We need at least 4 people to run the class so call, ask questions and sign up early.

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Three great things about Haystack

2010, book arts, handmade books, haystack / /
Three things that were great about Haystack – the people, the place and the project.  It was still 90 degrees all week but I had the crystal clear ocean to cool down in.
My routine was
  • get up when I woke up,
  • do morning pages by the shore or in the woods,
  • breakfast at 8:00 – wonderfully prepared for us
  • in the studio by 9 AM to noon for demos, sharing, instruction or artmaking
  • noon Lovely lunch –  which I ate fast so I could get in a
  • walk to the point and a refreshing swim in the ocean
  • 1:30 – 4:30  More studio time with classmates and instructors
  • 5:00-8:00 my work study duties in the kitchen (with time off in the middle to eat)
  • 8:00-9:00 Artist’s talks
  • After that either crash or work in the studio
It was a busy week and next time I would try to go for 2 weeks.  I had just got settled in to the routine and was able to work until 2 AM and it was thursday and I had to think about leaving in 2 days.
dining hall at Haystack

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Back from Haystack

2010, handmade books, haystack / /

So needless to say I did have a life changing experience at Haystack.  I did not realize all that I was learning and how supported I was until I got home to my studio.  The amazing location, accommodations and community is like a cocoon for the artist.  I found myself wanting a bit of community yesterday.  However when I was at Haystack I often sought out a solitary place to work, eat or rest.  Do I want what I can’t have?  Hmm?  So this is a picture of the Haystack truck with the lobster hood ornament.

Some of the transparent books that I worked on while at Haystack.
© linda germain 2010

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Why are Libraries are so Great?

2010, handmade books / /
FREE BOOKS that is why libraries are so great!!! I got these two books today at the local library and I can’t wait to tear into them.  REthinking Acrylics, by Brady and Eco Books by Terry Taylor.  I have to admit I like to look at pictures and get ideas.  Sometimes I will read the words too.   Seth Apter is doing a book club, as part of the altered page, pulse project.  check there for inspiring books.  He shares new favorite books each sunday. Enjoy!

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Playing with an Altered book and another glue gun binding

2010, altered books, handmade books / /

I did some experimenting with a “painted” monotype on the gelatin plate today.  I have tried it before and not loved the results.  I used acrylic paint so that it would dry fast and I could do lots of layers.  I gave up on my expectations and had some fun with it.  At first I was trying to create an image but then I just did symbols and textures.  I cut the bird out of one of the prints.  I collaged most of the prints into this yellow altered book.  It is nice to find a use for the prints so quickly.  Yesterday I did another hot glue gun binding.  I do need to keep practicing this technique to perfect it.  I do like the print on the cover.  It is several years old, one that I made with in my first few weeks of gelatin printmaking.  Enjoy!

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