Chattanooga Book Arts Collaborative meetings will begin on January 16, 2011

It's official!  The Chattanooga Book Arts Collaborative (CBAC) will have its first meeting on Sunday, January 16th, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Create Here.  CBAC will meet on the third Sunday of each month.  At each meeting, there will be a free workshop/demonstration.  On January 16th, I will be demonstrating long-stitch binding, a versatile binding that can be used in a variety of applications.  All levels, from novice to professional, are invited to be a part of Chattanooga's new book arts community.

For more details, visit http://www.chattanoogabookarts.blogspot.com/.

Chattanooga Book Arts Collaborative & other news

Last month, a few of my friends who make books got together at my house to talk about building a community of book artists and forming a group to support the growth of the book arts in Chattanooga. The goals for such a group would be to (1) offer regular teaching/learning opportunities for local book artists to develop their skills; (2) create demand for book arts supplies that could be stocked by a local art supply store; (3) develop an interested group of book artists who would support local presentation of book arts workshops by visiting artists; (4) organize and promote local book arts exhibitions; and (5) build the number of local book arts patrons.


While at the John Campbell Folk School last month, I met a member of the Knoxville Book Arts Guild (KBAG). She referred me to Bob Meadows, an accomplished book artist and one of the founders of KBAG. Bob has conducted several workshops/demonstrations in Chattanooga, and his work is carried at the River Gallery. He graciously told me about KBAG, and offered ideas about forming a similar group in Chattanooga.

So…plans are starting to take shape. A new group – the Chattanooga Book Arts Collaborative (CBAC) – will start meetings in January. We are still working to identify a location for regular monthly or bi-monthly meetings (probably on a weekend day); we hope that meetings will be free and open to the public. At each meeting, one CBAC member will lead a book arts demonstration and workshop; supply lists will be distributed in advance. Members will be encouraged to bring examples of their work for “show and tell” at each meeting, offering a fresh source of inspiration to the group. Book art “exchanges” within the group and with other book arts groups (such as KBAG) may be featured. Eventually, we hope that an exhibition of members’ work can be organized, as well.


Plans for CBAC will be finalized later this month, and promotion of the January meeting will begin soon. Already, as the word is getting out, we have identified at least ten people who are interested in being a part of the new group. Stay tuned for more information… and if you are interested in participating in the CBAC, please email me at nsbernhardt@aol.com.  All levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome.

Other news…

I presented another book-making workshop during October. The group of four women made accordion books tied with ribbons, as well as small books with folded pages inspired by a Bob Meadows creation that opens to form a star shape.

And finally, I send a special thanks to Tony Mines for including me in educational workshops presented by art supply manufacturer representatives at Art Creations. Books offer the opportunity to incorporate all sorts of materials and techniques … so I was happy to learn about simple gold leaf and about encaustic paints. These new materials may just show up in some books soon!

Bookbinding Class

In late September, three women gathered in my studio for the first of what I hope will be many classes in bookmaking. In the three hour introductory class, each student created a four-signature long-stitched album, using papers, book cloth, and binding materials of their choice. A second class for the same group of students is planned within the next month.  I am working on a list of class topics and plan to have it available in the near future.

"Old Books. New Books." at the John C. Campbell Folk School

The past week at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina was full of gifts. The “Old Books. New Books.” class, taught by the amazing Dea Sasso, assisted by Judith Beers, was like “learning on steroids.” In five days, the class of twelve students learned how to construct three types of new case bindings for books – flat spine bindings, as well as library binding (French groove) and tight (English) joints for curved-spines. Each requires careful precision and attention to detail, a joy for someone like me who revels in the “neat and tidy.”

From Dea’s thirty years of bookbinding experience, we were instructed about adhesives, bookbinding tools, sewing signatures, cerfing, ploughing, endsheets, endbands, lining out, various types of papers, book cloths and boards, working with leather, using presses, making book cloth, hot gold stamping, hand tooling, and sources for materials. Even though I have been making books for a long time, much of this material was new to me. I believe I’ve learned a tremendous amount about best practices in bookbinding. At the end of the week, I came home with five new quarter-bound books, one with a leather-covered spine and the rest with flat spines covered in book cloths.

Using the understanding gained about book structures, we also worked on conserving, restoring, and repairing “old” books, including bibles, music scores, and library books. I conserved by mother’s bible, the cover of which had deteriorated significantly over time. This was my first experience with conservation work, so I was a bit nervous about working on a piece of such sentimental value. Dea was an excellent teacher, guiding me along the way. Photos below show the bible in its original condition, in process (using moriki paper and wheat starch to stabilize the cover), and after conservation. I am eager to get more experience in this area.

Original condition

Conservation work in progress

After conservation

Each of the other members of the class brought varied experiences and perspectives. Seeing the different restoration projects in progress showed many of the techniques that can be utilized to preserve important books. I also learned about the Knoxville Book Arts Guild, which can serve as a model for a book artists’ group in Chattanooga. I experienced a teaching style that easily accommodated the needs of students at different levels, yet left room for each student’s creative spirit. And, I went home with a book full of contacts and ideas that will help me implement my grant project in Chattanooga!

Introductory Bookbinding Class Scheduled

Four friends will join me in my studio next week for an introductory bookbinding class.  In one afternoon session, participants will make a blank 6" x 10" hard-cover book that can be used as a journal, photo album, or sketch book.  Books will be covered with decorative papers, and paper signatures will be attached to the spine using long-stitch patterns.  Each participant will be provided with a basic set of bookbinding tools --  bonefolder, awl, glue brush, and binder's needle.  A second class for the same group is already scheduled for the fall.  After the classes, all participants will be asked to complete an evaluation of the class.

Why does art matter?

I’ve just finished a full week of time in my studio with two other artist friends who make books and create art. The three of us have gotten together a couple times for extended periods of “studio time,” and each time, the experience is more and more fulfilling. For me, creation of art allows me to see and really experience beauty and peacefulness. The process of creating art is liberating…it is truly “freedom of speech” that allows thoughts and emotions to be expressed on so many levels. And seeing the creations of my friends gives a peek into their values and the unique issues with which they struggle.

 

The experience reminded me of a report published several years ago by the Wallace Foundation called “Gifts of the Muse: Reframing the Debate about the Benefits of the Arts.” It is a long report and requires a bit of concentration, but the Summary is definitely worth reading if you want to see the many reasons why art really does matter.
http://www.wallacefoundation.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/WF/Knowledge%20Center/Attachments/PDF/Gifts_of_the_Muse(Text).pdf

The report describes the benefits of the arts to both individuals and to communities and societies. It describes well-known benefits, such as improved academic performance and test scores of children, the therapeutic health benefits for individuals who create and are exposed to art, and the economic benefits that the arts bring to a community.


But the report also describes intrinsic things, such as an “expanded capacity for empathy” that happens when people create and participate in the arts. Art fosters enhanced tolerance in people “by drawing them into experiences of people vastly different from them[selves] and cultures vastly different from their own. These experiences give individuals new references and make them more receptive to unfamiliar people, attitudes and cultures.” Without wanting to sound overly zealous, I am convinced that art has the power to address the divisiveness in our society today. By helping each of us be more open to new ideas and unique ways of expressing them, I’m convinced we will all be kinder and more understanding members of society.

Equipment arrives.

Earlier this week, two important pieces of equipment that I have been wanting for years were delivered to my studio, thanks to my MakeWork grant from CreateHere. 

Both are refurbished, reconditioned pieces from http://www.binderytools.com/.  Paul Brubaker (owner of Bindery Tools) is one of the few people in the country who repairs and rebuilds old bookbinding and printmaking equipment. I have found that the older equipment is often studier, more reliable and more accurate than similar equipment that is being made today.  Paul and his wife drove the equipment here from Pennsylvania and somehow managed to get the 1,000+lb. board shear moved into my studio.

The shear is a beautiful rebuilt John Jacques shear with a maple top.  The cutting edge is 41", making it possible to trim large pieces of book board to exact measurements. The book press is 10" x 12" and has 3-1/2" of airspace.  Both of these pieces of equipment will significantly increase my productivity and the quality of my work.  And since my board shear is one of the only ones (maybe THE only one) in Chattanooga, I hope to find ways that other book artists can use it too.

Meanwhile, I have been cleaning the studio and organizing all my tools and supplies.  A couple of bookmaking friends will be working with me in the studio for the next week.  This is the second time we've scheduled a week-long studio retreat, and when we are together, the energy is really high.  By exchanging ideas, watching each other work and sharing resources, each of us becomes better at our craft. 

MakeWork grant gets started.

The Studio for Book Arts has officially been named and established, thanks to a 2010 MakeWork grant from Create Here in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

For many years, I have quietly and privately been creating handmade books.  I've taken classes and studied with book artists, and I've found a few kindred souls in Chattanooga who also love to make books.  But there has been something missing.  Currently, the number of artists in the Chattanooga area creating handmade books is limited.  Local book arts exhibition opportunities are few and far between.  Access to bookmaking equipment - especially expensive tools like a board shear - has not been available.  To participate in book arts workshops, travel has been required to locations such as BookWorks (Asheville, NC), John Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, NC), Penland School of Crafts (Penland, NC), Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN) or Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN). 

So, earlier this year, I applied for a MakeWork grant.  I wanted a board shear, so that accurately cutting thick, dense book board by hand wouldn't have to be so difficult.  With a board shear and a book press added to my studio, I envisioned being able to offer small workshops and individual lessons in book and box making.  And I hoped that I could lead the way in forming a group of fellow book makers who can share resources and build a local community of book artists who can eventually exhibit and market their work in Chattanooga and the region.

Last month, I learned that I was one of the lucky ones to receive a MakeWork grant! 

And now, I'm on my way.

My board shear and book press were delivered early this morning!  Last night, I was so excited about their arrival that I couldn't sleep.  I'll be posting photos of the "new babies" in the next few days.  Soon, I'll also be looking for local book artists to form a group so that we can share our work and our ideas.  And within the next few months, I hope to announce plans for classes and other book arts activities.

Over the course of the next year, check back to see what's happening, all because of this amazing grant program.  Thank you, Create Here!