Well, the final workshop of this term has happened and we had another great day exploring taking the book into 3D. We briefly looked at star tunnels/carousels but 'parked' that structure for another day and another workshop, concentrating on making tunnel books and playing with the idea of making a book with a variety of images. As ever, the range of ideas and materials is what makes these days so interesting. I never fail to learn something or take away an idea that might be tried later.
Peter (above) brought a catalogue of an exhibition called 'Divine Goddesses and pulled his images together in a very thoughtful way.Although he didn't get to the final construction it will be all the better when he does because he took his time to work out the choice and placement of his imagery. When completed and extended there will be a very clear theme and taking the time to work it through will pay dividends.
Margaret started out with a disparate group of cards and images and did not think she would get going. Once she had that front image of the path leading into the garden or meadow it seemed to click and I think she made a fabulous book. I really hope she continues and creates a hard cover for it, something no-one had time for yesterday. I think it will repay the time to do so as it was such a clever use of what she had to hand.
Eileen's book was a tiny gem and is not served well by the onset of camera shake by yours truly. Sorry Eileen! This was a great idea and needs to be seen in the flesh to appreciate the depth achieved. Eileen brought along a tunnel book she'd already made based on the Commedia d'ell Arte and it was fabulous. Along with Peter she also brought in other books yesterday, made since previous workshops. That people are enthused to take ideas away and work on them, increasing their skills and enjoying the process of making is the biggest thrill for me. I am hoping they will submit them for a small exhibition the Community Learning Centre want to organise for Adult Learners Week in a couple of months time. So much better so see them and handle them, rather than look at them via my dodgy camera work!
Here's Maggie's book, semi assembled. She had limited materials so much of the time was spent working out how to use it wisely. I think that made the finished idea much clearer. She brought a heavy card box with an acetate inset in the cover and her book sits perfectly inside it. This will be its home when finished. I know she will complete this and it will be beautiful. She brought her artist's eye to the project and made everything work for her.
We were all delighted to see Sheila as she has been plagued with a bad back recently, but she stuck with it all day ,with the occasional lie down, and used one of her favourite vintage images. There were a few frowns of concentration to be seen whilst these were cut as they were small and very intricate. Getting to this stage when you don't feel so great was a real 'win' situation for Sheila and I shall look forward to seeing it with a cover on at a later date. Eileen kindly provided Sheila with some bookcloth in the perfect shade to complement it, so it has to happen! No escape, Sheila. I shall be checking back........
Lilian had a sample book from a magazine and chose these lovely birds from what I think was a wallpaper design. I told her they reminded me of those Busby Berkeley films where the dancing girls wearing big fanned headresses come down the steps and waltz off in different directions. Placing them in descending order and descending scale just makes it work so well.
Halina came in with two hefty books, determined not to be lost for ideas! Picking a colour palette and working with the theme of white flowers she made a charming book. My photos do not do it justice as it had layers of printing and text that all just worked so well together. Everyone fell in love with the idea and this might be one a few of us make our own version of.
Finally, here is Cynthia's book. It's one of four garden inspired books on the day, all completely different. At one point we had a visit from the centre administrator to have a look at what was being made and Cynthia likened her book to being back in nursery, cutting up coloured paper. I think it's a bit cleverer than that! It was a joyous little book and I loved it.
I hope that some of whom I've come to call 'the usual suspects' will join up again in September and carry on exploring the book in all its forms because we've only scratched the surface. Whilst there are plenty more structures to learn I want to explore getting content into things. Yesterday proved how gratifying it is to produce something from a germ of an idea. I'm thinking of trying to run an altered books class too. I shall have to find out if that would be of interest.
In the meantime, I have only committed to some children's workshops in the summer so I am planning a few months away from the book making bench, pursuing a few new ideas and getting back to the printing press and sketchbook. Mind you, I agreed to do a cyanotype workshop in June yesterday so I foresee praying for sun and playing with blueprints again. I read somewhere that it is going to be a scorching summer. Great stuff. Bring it on!
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