Old books. Tiny books. Oversized books. Pop-ups, cut outs, hand bound, fold outs, artists’ books, comic books, graphic novels, spiritual texts, journals, portfolios, photo albums from the late 19th century. Photo albums from the 20’s… or the 60’s. First editions, hard cover, soft cover, cloth books, board books. Autographed, anonymous, out of print, banned books, best sellers, scrolls, parchment codex, carved books, book sculptures, magazines, fanzines.
I love them all.
Don’t you? What’s more thrilling than the smell and feel of a leather bound book a century old? Or illustrations that tickle our eyes? Or the potential for books to transform our minds? Who doesn’t look forward to those moments of joyous solitude when we can deeply engage with a delicious book? Sigh. It’s been a life long love affair. Books are gifts that ceaselessly give, friends forever true.
Though I grew up writing, drawing, and picture taking, I took the path of graphic designer (yawn) and at one point found myself designing coffee table wedding books. (This was before the explosion of online photo book companies.)
The wedding industry depressed me (a rant for another time), however, I found digital offset printing completely exciting. My little brains exploded – suddenly I had an outlet for my writing, drawings, and photos. I started making books and cards for every occasion. Grrrrl, my family was in high cotton!
It wasn’t until I worked for the Center For Book Arts in New York a few years later that I discovered the beauty of hand binding. And that I am missing the perfectionist gene that makes the end product of so many book makers works of gallery ready art. What I do have though is a MacGyver – esque sixth sense about making things and crafty problem solving.
As I’ve learned to embrace my strengths and surrender my weaknesses to the wind, I’ve found momentum in my creative life. Perfection is the enemy of good as the wise ones say. When faced with a mistake I can choose to cry, cuss, and throw things or take a deep breath, pour myself another cup of coffee, and view it from another perspective. My worst flubs have become precious gifts in many cases.
So, that’s why I’m here. Not only to explore the magic of books, but the fun of making them and the joy of gift giving. And how to get out of our own way while doing it.