KATHIE MIRANDA'S ART BLOG

A cure for winter doldrums...

In February, I treated myself to a fabulous 2-day workshop on making accordion sketchbooks - something I've wanted to try for a long time - and something for which I have the directions to do on my own.  As we all know, creating among a group of kindred souls is far more rewarding.

Off to the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven with a handful (read: truckload!) of some of my favorite washi papers (Japanese papers, both plain and decorative) and too many botanical ideas to fill the pages, to learn from two of the most inspirational instructors I've met in a long time - Judy Atlas and Susan Klein...

Emergence - Cover

Day One was making the content - the pages that that were laid out in a series of a specified number of pages (depending upon the size of the finished book you desired).  As Judy is a master collagist, I immediately put my realistic botanical ideas aside and jumped into unknown territory - abstract collage! - with both feet.  What tremendous fun and just the thing to chase away the winter blues!

Emergence - Content

Day Two was making the hard covers, front and back, from bookcloth-covered Davy board as well as hinging the individual pages together to form the accordion fold-out.  The hinges are made of Tyvek (!) which were painted because they are visible between the pages.  Susan, a master bookbinder, patiently and energetically lead the way in this portion of the workshop.

I was soooo longing for Spring - will it ever emerge? if so, when?? While my efforts were "abstract",  my botanicals still creeped into the design.  Creating something 3-dimensional with my hands revitalized my energy and enthusiasm to return to my studio work in 2-dimensions.  I did not intend to create an exhibition piece but my expectations for my finished book were completely satisfied.