I like the title of this show because it seems to me that making books, whether you write them or make them as objects, makes you part of a republic of letters, or a sort of Invisible College. Book artists and writers seem to form a sort of secret society, like the old medieval guilds, which is not surprising, since bookbinding and printing were both guild trades. Wish I was in New Zealand to see this particular exhibit. Thanks to the internets though, I can at least view the pictures. And worth the effort it is, too. (Thanks to Rag & Bone for this.)
The Republic of Letters
Percy Thomson Gallery
Stratford, New Zealand
June 16 to July 15, 2007
But here's an exhibit a little closer to home (or at least on the same continent) that focuses on that space where scrapbooking (like making blank journals) elides into artist's books. This interests me for obvious reasons (since I did the Highfield's anniversary scrapbook), and because I use a lot of the materials of scrapbooking in my own books (from Deanna's Artist, Emerging, where you'll also find some great links for artists' resources).
Beyond the Scrapbook
Tarrant County College
The Art Corridor II
Southeast Campus, Arlington, Texas
May 7 - June 15, 2007
Reception
Monday, June 4, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Artist's books by Joy Christiansen, Brett Dyer, Hannah Frieser, Allison Gillies, Danielle Grove, Alison Hahn, Jana Perez, and Deanna Wood
Curated by Deanna Wood
A while ago, I set up some Google alerts for "artist's books" and "book arts." Not all of them apply, but now and then something good turns up, and I've found quite a few nice blogs this way, too (check the blog roll at right). Here's a couple links you might find useful.
- The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild is looking for artist's books for a juried exhibition. Submission deadline is June 30th.
- Brian sawyer's list of useful DIY bookbinding links.
- Colophon Book Shop is having a 50% off sale on books about books (thanks to Fade Theory for the heads-up) through June 15 (my birthday! How perfect!)
- Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine, which I found on the newstand at Sheds & Commoner. I bought it mostly for the vendors, but it also has some good technique and product articles which are great for someone like me who hasn't played in the art box in a long time.
- Chicago Area Book Arts Workshops: “What is a Book Worth.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27. Send e-mail to steadley@uiuc.edu for more information, location and cost. Library and Information Science, Univeristy of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
- And the International Society of Altered Book Artists.
While I'm at it, I might as well mention the people I buy a lot of stuff from in the course of making my own books.
Paper & Book Board
Kate's Papier has already had a mention, but I don't buy a lot of stuff from them because they are, not to put too fine a point on it, pricey. And since they opened their store on the Upper East Side, they've been catering more to the high-end stationery crowd than to artists. One of my favorite local (NYC) paper suppliers is New York Central Art Supply. It's hard to believe they can cram so much fabulous paper in such a small space. Go during the week, if you can; on the weekends, it's a mosh pit. They have a new online paper catalog now too. And If you're a member of the Center for Book Arts, they give you a discount! For envelopes, portfolios, printer and text paper, I go to Paper Presentation on Printer's Row (18th St. between 5th & 6th Aves.) Because I'm a complete clod with sharp objects like knives, I buy my bookboard precut, when possible, from Hollanders. Their prices are eminently reasonable, especially compared to trips to the emergency room. When I'm just doing a mock-up, I'll buy a piece or two from A. I. Friedman, also on printer's row. They're cheaper than Sam Flax and have a great fine art supply section as well.
Book Binder's Tools
I've got two main sources for these, Talas and Volcano Arts. If Talas doesn't have it, it doesn't exist. And Volcano Arts is likely to have lots of stuff you didn't know you needed.
Stuff
That indeterminate category for the things you never thought you'd need, like, oh, microscope slides or mailers, jewelry findings, metal mesh, radiator cover grill, eyelets, bottle caps, etc. Here's the places I look first, when I can't find it on ebay.
- Oriental Trading Company, for decorative brads and eyelets.
- MantoFev, for, uh, well, not the usual stuff.
- Anima Designs, for some truly interesting internaional bits & pieces.
- Joggles.com, for more interesting stuff. I like their charms, especially.
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