This three-week workshop is a perfect introduction to the art of expressing oneself through handmade books. The sessions will offer in-depth guidance and tutorials whilst also giving participants the freedom to apply their own artistic styles.
The first session will involve the creation of mini zines using a variety of simple zine-making methods. We will create 6-page zines and 8-page zines using simple folding methods, and also utilise simple binding techniques. We will also discuss the historical background of zines in the Riot Grrrl feminist movement, as well as the current cultural significance of zines within queer and feminist spaces.
During the second session, we will explore different types of bookbinding, including saddle stitch bookbinding, coptic binding (also known as kettle-stitch), and Japanese stab binding. By learning these simple yet effective bookbinding techniques, you can begin making your own notebooks and sketchbooks, using a paper type of your preference and your favourite colours.
The third session will utilise the sketchbook(s) from the previous session to create artist books—sketchbooks that are works of art in themselves. They can tell stories which are narrative (whilst also visual), or they can be archives of connected works or even manifestos.
Three-week workshop:
Required supplies:
Suggested experience level: beginner to intermediate bookmakers
Seats available: 15
Workshop fee: CAN$60 per household
