Books are really one of the great loves of my life. First, I read a lot. Really, a lot, lot. While in school for graphic design I dreamt of designing book covers. Like those enormous coffee table books that most of us just keep around to create the facade that we are learn-ed and well read. It was no big jump from reading and designing to the fact that I learned from one workshop I took and taught myself various bookbinding techniques from…books. This technique in particular I used on most of my hand-bound journals; it was a sturdy one. If you’re interested in having one of my books as your next journal, you can.
Really my books simply became a vehicle for doing my collage work. Each individual book was a collage piece front and back. I had a few binding techniques I used on a regular basis. I loved making books where you could see the binding. Over the years I’ve most frequently used recycled items. The board for the front and back covers were recycled notebook covers I saved from the trash. I’ve also saved whole printed books from the trash. My piece ‘Altered’ is a book I altered by using the pages as canvas for my collage work.
I’ve always loved adding things to my books that I felt I needed. Look closely at these books and you’ll see a handle or a strap. Perfect for the artist who wants easy access to their journal/sketchbook. Fun right?