Artist
For the Holiday Season, come join Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman and make a fabulous gift book. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
To kick off my 2019-20 Artist Residency at the Granada Hills Public Library, supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, I led a bookmaking program in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, where participants learned to make their own photo album.
Participants bound together a single signature (gathering of folded pages) into a binding composed of a tag board sheet folded both horizontally (to create a pocket on either side) and vertically (to create the body of the cover structure and hold the signature), then added stiffer more durable boards on either side to strengthen the covers. They sewed the components together using the pamphlet stitch and ribbon, using enough ribbon so that the ends would be long enough to tie the book closed if they wished.
Mothers and daughter created side by side and shared their work.
As did Mothers and sons,
and the whole family!
Our teen helpers got into the act too…..
and had a blast…
Pride of Book!
Learn single signature binding, the pamphlet stitch, and how to create pockets for treasured items as well as how to use all kinds of beautiful and festive materials!
This workshop is part of my Department of Cultural Affairs Artist Residency at the Sunland-Tujunga Public Library, 2019-2020 and is made possible in part by a grant form the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
It has been exciting to lead programs at the Granada Hills Branch Library of the LAPL, as part of my Artist Residency there: “We Write the Book“, supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and freedom in all its forms, participants created “single signature” sewn and glued books, and then used their Freedom of Expression to develop and embellish the covers. A “signature” is a gathering of folded sheets that create pages for a book. Single signature bookbinding refers to a group of sheets (usually paper) folded in the middle and bound together through sewing through their folds.
Although our program was originally planned for teens and “tweens”, several families attended including a number of dads with children. We had a wonderful time!
Sister and brother enjoy the delight of adding to their books after working step by step sewing and gluing to create them.
The glory of patterns. This young participant is age 3!
She attended with her mother.
In the background, mom and dad look on, taking a well-deserved break and enjoying the fun from the sidelines as their children worked and played.
Father offers support and presence to his son.
Our fearless leader, Branch Manager Pam, enjoys some creative “play” time, adding washi (decorative paper) tape to her book.
There is something very satisfying about hand-sewing a book together. It feels real…permanent. The work of our hands on a whole other level.
Hopefully, these books will continue to be developed at home, and most importantly, used!
In this “Freedom of Expression” workshop participants will learn how to create a single signature binding and use assorted materials to design book covers which will reflect their unique individuality!
This program is part of my Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Artist Residency at the Granada Hills Branch – Los Angeles Public Library.
Thanks to Teen Librarian Kristin Peers, Senior Librarian Pamela Rhodes, and the LA DCA.
enRICHment IV
Kindergartners have a blast making their own books in Santa Monica’s CREST Enrichment program which provides a variety of after school classes in Santa Monica Public Schools.
Which is more adorable, the book, or the dimple?!
What will happen with “The Three Kittens”?
The smile is the winner, and this little maker is a wonderful writer and visual artist too!
Peruse, cut, paste…
Draw draw draw…one of our most immediate visual art forms…make your Mark!
Industrious and serious writers.
What shall I choose?
Combining the visual and the written…
Kindergartners learning to write, and spell. Impressive.
They create the pages, they fill the pages.
Working with accordion fold / concertina books.
Influencing each others work?!
“Folded Fan Book”: accordion fold spine, with covers and pages attached.
Layering texture, shape and color.
Robert helps us out. Thank you, Robert of the CREST Enrichment program Staff!
An elaborate fairy tale…involving a path, a house, and fairies.
Working side by side, two creative solitudes in community.
This maker has a fascination and love of Mythology…and the Greek gods.
Checking out each others’ work. And each other.
The magic of Washi Tape!
One of our student’s Dads, a fun-loving dentist, joined us for this class…and made his own book
Students thrive in a supportive environment filled with materials, laughter, learning, and patient adults.
We were so fortunate during this class to have both CREST Enrichment program Staff Diana and Michelle be with us, as well as our dentist Dad, and a CREST staff trainee. The students really felt the support!
To. Be. Continued. It is the Story that never ends…Creative Expression.
Let’s keep starting the process young!