Handmade Books
Be My Valentine at the Canoga Park Library
February 14th, 2024, was a sweet day at the Canoga Park Branch Library!
A group of wonderful and creative participants joined us for “Valentine’s Day Bookmaking”.
Using the accordion fold and sized covers, they created colorful books to which they added stickers, collaged images, drawing and writing, and love!
This program was part of my artist residency “We Write the Book” at the Canoga Park Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
Hearts galore!
Librarian extraordinaire Marcia Melkonian helps our participants, along with their exemplary caregivers.
Creativity in action.
Gina, an accomplished artist and supporter of our program sets up her own creative space.
The caregivers get into the act.
Lending a helping hand.
The talented Hilary loves orange.
All of Hillary’s elements work together to create a cohesive whole.
It is fascinating how she used the orange-striped washi tape, and extended the pattern upward to create what looks like a fence. Everything os orange color-coordinated.
Then, she added the calendar image of a pinky orange sunset to the top, to complete the scene.
Completed book, with ribbon!
See the participants enjoying the workshop HERE!
In Reflection: “Three Sisters And Their Mother” and more
I was thrilled to have a solo exhibition last winter at ReflectSpace Gallery, part of Glendale Arts and Culture, in the Glendale Central Library which opened Saturday January 28th and was on view through March 19,2023.
The show, a dream come true that I did not even know I had, was curated by the wonderful Ara and Anahid Oshagan of The City of Glendale and founders of the gallery..
I was fortunate to have master photographer Gene Ogami document the show.
I share here two images featuring a work entitled, “Three Sisters And Their Mother”, which engages a concept and presentation I am still exploring.
“Three Sisters and Their Mother” (2022), made of canvas, acrylic paint, hemp cord, sunlight and gravity, is approximately 30” x 72”. Its dimensions are variable depending on how it is installed, the intervals of space between the components or sections, the way its ever-tangling cord/string wanders across each section, how high or low to the ceiling or the floor it is positioned, and how much in relief from the wall it is hung. As Eva Hesse once said about a work or works of hers… Can it be different every time…? (paraphrase). Naomi Spector writes beautifully about these ideas as regards to Hesse’s work.
Also pictured are: (below and clockwise from “Three Sisters And Their Mother”)
“I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”, (The titular work in the show), 2022,13 x 71.5”, repurposed table runner, acrylic paint, linen thread
“Finally”, (can hang on wall in slight relief), 2022, 48 x 19.5”, canvas, lace, hemp cord, sewing thread
“Excavation of the Interior”, 2021, 12″ x 28″ x 12.5″, wood, mulberry paper, canvas, muslin, watercolor paper, hemp cord, linen thread
Our human connections, gossamer though they may seem, form a tangled web that is always changing, and in some ways unfathomable, but there and always mysterious.
“Be Our Valentine” at the Canoga Park Library!
Join Us To Create Your Own Special Valentine’s Day Gift or Card!
Add beautiful materials to personalize your Valentine for yourself, or that special someone!
All materials included.
Part of my residency “We Write the Book” at the Canoga Park Branch Library, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
Get Ready for the New Year at the Canoga Park Branch Library!
JOIN US!
Learn How to Create an Organizer Book with Pockets to Welcome the New Year and Get You Started in 2024!
All Materials Included.
Supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
Date(s):
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Time:
11 a.m.
Location:
Canoga Park Branch Library
Type:
In Person
Category:
Arts, Crafts & Hobbies
Description:
Start the New Year right by learning to create a fun book in which you can store holiday memories and plan for the future. All materials provided.
This program is supported in part by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.
Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.
Flag Bookmaking Workshop at ArtShare LA!
Join us at 11AM on Saturday December 9th and learn to create the fun and fabulous “flag book” with artist Debra Disman while being inspired by the “Paper Route” exhibition at ArtShare LA. Learn the accordion fold, add book covers and alternating flag pages, and play with “found writing” to create a kinetic book that can be opened and used in multiple ways.
Please sign up with Eventbrite!
