As you’ve probably realised by now, I love all things books, so when I heard about a free workshop last year on making artists books, I just had to sign up!
Like me, you’re probably wondering what are “Artists Books”?!
At the workshop, I quickly learned that artists books are not so much the sketch book of an artist, or even like a scrapbook to store photos and other memorabilia (which is what I initially thought) – although they can be.
Rather, “Artist Books” refer to works of art produced in the form of a book. They can be simple – or amazingly intricate and complex!
The workshop, entitled “Artist Books from Recycled Materials”, was held at the Redland Art Gallery last May in conjunction with an exhibition called “Life’s Journeys”.
Our tutor was Jack Oudyn (pronounced o-dine), a local artist who works with mixed media, but especially loves to create artist books and zines.
Despite not having an arty bone in my body – I’m more of a practical kinda gal – I had a great time and even created a couple of basic artist books of my own!
It was a fast-paced day of learning, cutting, painting, tearing, drawing, stitching, pasting, and more.
Sadly, I haven’t had a chance to create any more since, but it is an activity that I have a feeling that I will return to one of these days purely for enjoyment.
You can read more about Jack’s account of the workshops on his blog, and see all the amazing artist books and other works he creates.
Are you an arty type? Do you ever visit art galleries and exhibitions? Or have you ever created an artist book?
Thanks for posting Janet, It seems so long ago. Glad the workshop was meaningful for you. I’ll be sending you a little piece of postal art if I can still find you.
Thanks Jack, it was a great workshop 🙂
Craft, and art are such great activities that sweep away the clouds. You can kind of put your troubles behind you and concentrate on creating. And CREATING is such a beautiful, fundamental thing to have in your life – however it takes its form.
YES! That’s it, exactly 🙂
They’re a great idea and I would imagine you could get completely carried away in the creativity of it.
Thanks for sharing, Janet!
Absolutely!
i would love to do this! first thing would be to make a book with all my old wedding cards.
What a fabulous idea!
I wish I was an arty farty person, but I truly feel my only creative talent is writing! You are full of surprises! It can’t be long now until your 1st bloggy birthday?? xx
Ages – not til nearly the end of November!