The Art of Making Books

      What do artists do for fun? They go to art workshops. This is what I created on my recent  trip down to Phoenix from my studio here in Sedona. I have been a member of the Calligraphy Society of Arizona for over 30 years. Every once in a while I like to take advantage of one of the great workshops they sponsor, including this one making a Long Stitch book , hence the name.                                 I like to think that Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals that were made similar to this. A soft leather on the outside with " signatures" of paper , a grouping of pages, sewn into the spine. This is book format and what you read today does this made with machines. But how much sweeter to see it all made by hand, which is where the book artist comes into the picture. Also, instead of just some stitches showing, I tied them together with some red, waxed linen thread, and added a touch to the closure. A little adornment to catch your eye.

I will be teaching Not this book, but an equally fun "Envelope book"   on November 16,2024,  at the Sedona Arts Center, here in uptown Sedona. In only three hours, you will leave with your own magical book. There is still time to sign up, so be sure to contact SAC and enroll in a great adventure! Comments? I love to hear from you.  

My Exposition

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Here I am at the opening of my show," Reflections", by V. Norton . I am wearing my porcelain bead jewelry, and standing in front of a wall showing my ceramic artwork.
This is a solo show of my ceramics; calligraphy, and book arts. Currently displayed at the Jerome Artists Cooperative in Jerome AZ., it runs  until July 1st, 2015. I will once again be at the gallery  from 5 until 8 pm, on First Saturday, June 6th,  to meet with people.
Mounting an exhibit, or as the French say, une exposition, is a large undertaking.(I am working on my French again, and I like the way this word this rolls off my tongue.) Primarily, there is creating the work.With a theme in mind, that helps with a direction. "Reflections" is really about my past, present, and perhaps future work, if I can get back into my studio soon! 
There are many logistics to a show. How much to make? One can't underestimate the publicity factor. If people don't know it is happening, they can't come. There are photos to be taken. Then comes creating invitations on my computer, a challenge to one who has no fear of a fourth century calligraphic alphabet, but gets stage fright with electronics. 
Never forget the importance of hanging the show. That includes painting walls, more than once; hanging shelves; artwork; creating cards and prints; displaying the handmade books. Deciding what to include and  arranging items is significant. Many thanks to those who did help me, but the word solo does make the point.
The next time you go to some one's art show, applaud the artist for their work, both in front of you, and all that went on behind it. 
I invite you to visit my "exposition" when in Jerome.

Art and Concentration

I have spent the last week concentrating on preparing for an upcoming workshop I am to teach.It has to do with book arts, hence the picture of me surrounded by the books I made and exhibited in my last show.That little black and orange clam shell box off to the left will pertain to what I am lecturing on.   
Wow. Interesting how two hours of total focus on solving problems and figuring out measurements can feel like so many hours of concentration. Do people actually realize how much exacting mathematics and organization go into creating something of a particular size or dimension?  Do I even realize before I start that perilous journey? Well, deadlines have their value.  
A friend of mine talks about " creative tension" that comes when doing something entirely new. You are so nervous and uncertain about how to get to reality from that image in your mind. Your stomach can hurt and your palms can sweat. I often get an invisible band around my forehead when I am concentrating so strongly.  It isn't a headache, quite, just  a comment to my body that I my thinking capacity is in overload. 
The dictionary defines concentration as " close mental application or exclusive attention".That is what occurs. I shut out the world; never look at a clock; and just take it one second at a time.Only after a tangible creation, or a solid hint emerges, can I breathe easier and even go for a walk to get some sun and oxygen. Then I return to my concentration until I can perhaps see a glimmer of completion.

The Color Green

Well today it's all about the color green. The color of trees; emeralds; the leaf on your flower ;mint; jade; asparagus and avocados. It is the color of the bottle of Perrier that sits in front of me here at my desk while writing this blog. And , of course, it is also the color you get when you mix your blue and yellow watercolors in your palette.

But this blog contains a photo of a recent book I made that is in my current show entitled Rock, Paper, Fire, in Jerome , AZ . It is part of my series of hand made books and the boxes that hold them. This is called book arts. Not only is there a green book,with my handmade porcelain beads, but it lives in the cigar box covered in gossamer green tissue paper and other decorations. I wanted it to return to a nice home .