Debra Disman

Artist

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Accordion Book Structure

Getting Ready for the Holidays at the Canoga Branch Library!

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Book arts are alive and well at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

I am thrilled to continue my artist residency there, working with the community, teaching bookmaking workshops (or leading “programs” in library parlance!)

The series, entitled “We Write the Book”, supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will offer 11 hands-on bookmaking workshops and a culmination event to the community free of charge, with all materials included!

On November 18th community participants gathered to create a recipe book for the holidays and beyond. They learned how to sew a single signature (gathering of folded pages) together using the three hole  pamphlet stitch, then had the option of adding envelopes to hold treasured recipes! Decorative papers, fabric trims, stickers, markers, postcards and more were also available to use as embellishment and development of their book works.

Participants across generations created beautiful and fun books, with encouragement to keep working on them over time, and adding more recipes!

 

 

Getting Organized with Bookmaking at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

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We held our second  “We Write the Book” artist residency program at the Canoga Park Branch Library on August 19, 2023.

The series, supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will offer 11 hands-on bookmaking workshops and a culmination event to the community free of charge, with all materials included

In the spirit of getting organized for the new academic year, I taught participants ranging from small children to seniors how to create an accordion-fold book with pockets, add covers, then sew in “signatures” (gatherings of folded pages), to make their books super organizing tools, with places to store notes, make notes, and take notes!

The series, supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will offer 11 hands-on bookmaking workshops and a culmination event to the community free of charge, with all materials included!

Participants from children to teens to families to seniors learned how to create the accordion fold book structure and add pockets, then develop their books with a variety of decorative and print materials to make them their own.  A good time was had by all, as those attending learned new skills, socialized and inspired each other with their book creations!
Even the Librarians got into the act!

Children’s Librarian Luz and teen volunteer Scott supported participants while creating their own books!


Scott cuts lengths of beautiful striped and glittering paper cord for participants to use in sewing their signatures into the folds of their accordion structures.


Library volunteer Carmen and participant Laura move through the process.


Stellar participant Gina helps fellow student.


We were joined by an energetic family of five, helmed by this intrepid Mom!


Playing with color, textures, design and form are the nuts and bolts of the process. Participants made creative decisions and learned about themselves in the process, while gaining skills in folding, cutting, sewing and gluing.

We hope to see everhone back next month, at 12:00 noon on Saturday September 23rd!

“We Write The Book” Artist Residency Begins at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

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We “kicked off” our “We Write the Book” artist residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library on July 18, 2023 with an accordion-fold book workshop (“Program” in library parlance)!
The series, supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will offer 11 hands-on bookmaking workshops and a culmination event to the community free of charge, with all materials included!

Participants from children to teens to families to seniors learned how to create the accordion fold book structure and add pockets, then develop their books with a variety of decorative and print materials to make them their own.  A good time was had by all, as those attending learned new skills, socialized and inspired each other with their book creations!
Even the Librarians got into the act!

 

THE ART OF THE BOOK at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art!

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Kids Art Class: Fall Art Camp—The Art of the Book (Ages 9–12)

Create your own books using fun folding and gluing techniques! Add your own writings, drawings, photographs, and more! Sketchbook, journal, album—what will YOUR book become? Each class will teach techniques for creating fun and fantastic books, and unleash your imagination!
With artist Debra Disman.

Join on your computer or tablet wherever you have internet. A Zoom link will be sent prior to camp start. Materials are included in tuition.

Three Days: Monday–Wednesday, November 23–25

  • Mon, Nov 23, Tuesday Nov 24, Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
  • 10 am–12 pm PT
  • Online
  • Art Camp is designed for children ages 9-12; children ages 8 and under will not be admitted.
  • NexGenLA Members $100; General Public $125
  • Pre-registration is required for all classes
  • Tuition includes materials.
  • Additional fee for shipping.
  • For additional art class information, please contact ArtClasses@lacma.org.
  • For ticketing support, contact boxoffice@lacma.org.
  • Please visit LACMA’s FAQ page for our refund policy.
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In Resonant Residence (11)

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In Resonant Residence (11)

I formally began Studio Residency at the Camera Obscura Art Lab

in Santa Monica Wednesday January 10th, and completed it Saturday, April 21, 2018.  I shared the sunlit space, located within a beautiful Mid-century building overlooking Palisades Park, Santa Monica Beach and the blue Pacific with textile artist and fellow Studio Artist-in-Residence Huong Nguyen.
“About the Art Lab and Camera Obscura

1450 Exterior
Vintage Camera Obscura
 
 
 
 
Step inside the Camera Obscura Art Lab and you’ll find a welcoming space with fantastic views of Santa Monica Bay and the Pier. The Camera is located in a midcentury time capsule in Palisades Park between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd on what was once the site of the Pacific Electric Railway’s North Beach Station. Designed by noted architect Weldon J. Fulton (who’s work can be found around town including the classic Camera Obscura sign and font, the Montana and Fairview branch libraries, and the former Zucky’s building on Wilshire Blvd), the building’s exterior features walls clad in chunky Palos Verdes stone, glass walls, sloping roofs, and projecting canopies and rafter beams. It was donated to the City of Santa Monica by Marcellus Joslyn in 1955.”

The huge studio windows look out on palms, walkways and a huge assortment of passers by, strollers, park wanderers and beach combers. The Studio is a magical place to work.

My tenth workshop, March 17, 2018: Accordion Fold Book + Pockets, found participants folding, cutting and collaging, using a myriad of materials,

including drawing papers, decorative papers, ribbon, maps, washi tape, hole punchers, and more.

“Thank you” ribbons flow from a maker’s “twin” books, made for her grandchildren.

Hearts, and a muted but warm color scheme complete the feeling.

Pockets allow room for secrets, notes, treasures and surprises.

This maker used  patterned paper to powerful effect.

The structure has a simple elegance when treated in a streamlined way.

Two ways of handling pattern.

In an exciting turn, this maker brought in collages she had made while visiting her sister, and made them the theme and focus of her book,

adding ribbons that punctuated the patterns created by her artistry.

A deeply gratifying experience indeed.

For all involved…