ARTISTS

Making Books Together at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art!

January 19, 2020 By Debra Disman

Join us and learn to make a “folded fan” book at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
inspired by the amazing work and colorful and evocative sketchbooks of artist Betye Saar, in her exhibition

Betye Saar: Call and Response currently on display at the Museum.

For the Whole Family!

Details:
One Day Workshop: BOOKMAKING

Inspired by the Sketchbooks of Betye Saar!
Family Class: Ages 8+ | Saturday, February 1, 2020 | 9 am–12 pm
Family members create side-by-side or collaborate together in this inter-generational class

With teaching artist Debra Disman

Exhibitionista: The Artful Book…revisited

January 8, 2020 By Debra Disman

The Artful Book show at the Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA just closed.

What a great experience to be part of it.

Tour the exhibition!

It happened October 4, 2019 – January 5, 2020

I was honored to show three pieces, and be in the company of stellar book artists.

“Today, artists who work in the Book Arts create fine and design bindings, fine press and letterpress editions, calligraphy, broadsides, handmade paper, and artist books. Visitors to The Artful Book will see outstanding contemporary examples of the Book Arts created by members of the California Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers. From finely crafted and superbly designed limited edition books to one-of-a-kind sculptural art objects, these artists let their imaginations soar and put their skills in the service of one of man’s best creations, the book….” —The Artful Book

The Artful Book will be remembered.

Drawing Spirit Drawing

December 28, 2019 By Debra Disman

Looking back on still relevant drawings….

Although these drawings/mixed media works were done over 20 years ago, I am still looking at them, and they relate to my current work as regards to texture, palette, and the themes of energy, transformation, new media/materials and mixed media,. They feel very related to the work I am doing now. I currently work in the form of the book, in forms inspired by the book, and in new sculptural media of my own devising. Although the work remains tethered to loose definitions of the book as structure, it is moving progressively into other sculptural and conceptual realms where labor, repetition and a passion for the haptic become powerful motivators and themes.

“Fertile World“, 1994, ink/colored pencil, 15 x 11”

“Insert With Care“, 1994, acrylic/collage/mixed media, 5 x 7”

“Pound With Energy“, 1994, ball point pen/collage/mixed media, 11.25 x 4.25 x 1.5”

Books and Cookies

December 20, 2019 By Debra Disman

I am honored to be an Artist-in-Residence at the Sunland-Tujunga Library, supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, conducting a series of bookmaking workshops for the community.

In celebration of the holiday spirit, I taught participants to create the fun and useful “envelope book”, which can indeed be sent through the mail! The envelope book can be used as a book and/or a card, and is an engaging project for the whole family.

The wonderful Children’s librarian Kirsten Xavier laid out cookies, making the whole experience that much sweeter, and adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mother and son work side by side, creating their envelope covers, and adding their folded accordion pages.

Cookies, a butterfly hole puncher and golden swirls, what could be better?! A green marker?!

Families worked together and devoted parents got a chance to create in tandem with their children.

Now that’s the holiday spirit!

Exhibitionista: Fresh Art

December 6, 2019 By Debra Disman

Fresh Art

November 7 – November 30 , 2019

I was excited to participate in the exhibition “FRESH ART” juried by Donna Seager of
Seager/Gray Gallery, Mill Valley, CA. Donna is known to show Artists’ Books, and is a supporter of the form.
A native of New Orleans, Donna Seager’s education was at the University of Texas where she received her degree in Art History and English. She began in the art business in 1978, working in galleries in New Orleans and was the director of the Marlborough Gallery in Boston before moving to California in 1989. In 2001, she partnered with Suzanne Gray to form Seager/Gray Gallery in Mill Valley, now a cornerstone of the Marin arts community. Donna Seager has distinguished herself for her discerning eye and commitment to the arts. She has served on the board of the San Francisco Art Dealers’ Association and the San Francisco Center for the Book and is currently a member of the Marin County Cultural Commission. Seagergray.com.

Tour the Show!

“How do you define “Fresh Art”? Something new and different, new to one’s experience, not encountered before, or a new approach to your art. Artwork that is forward or bold, expressive, engaging, stimulating, creative, infused with imagination….”