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!