Art 446
Art 446 Artists’ Books course information
Fall 2015
More information will be added soon.
Meets, Tuesday & Thursdays 11:00-1:30pm.
Room 6541 Humanities at 455 N Park Street. View map.
Course description
The multiple and sequential visual imagery of the non-printed book, including its design and creation.
Objectives for the semester.
To explore book structures in a visually creative manner.
To introduce skills used in book structures and binding.
To experience hands-on working with book making tools and materials.
To gain an appreciation of book structures as a creative and expressive medium.
To discuss the formal, visual and historical aspects of bookmaking.
To provide an opportunity for experimentation with various materials and equipment.
To increase awareness of the relationships between concept, design and book structures.
To develop good working habits, accuracy and precision.
Course structure:
It will not be possible to complete all the work for this class during the allotted class time. It is your responsibility to plan and budget your time in order to complete all of the assignments by the assigned time. An incomplete grade will only be given in extreme cases.
Requirements:
Your final grade will be determined from the work displayed in critiques and at the end of the semester. No grades will be given for work which is not complete. Deadlines for critiques will be announced during class time. Class attendance is important if you expect to learn how to work and properly prepare files for your portfolio.
Supply list:
These materials are required for the successful completion of assigned projects.
Sketch pad 14 x 17 or 18 x 24 inch – required
Binding thread
Binding needles
Awl
X-acto knife and blades
Straight Edge
PVA Adhesive like Sobo brand
Bone Folder
Scissors – required
Brushes, for pva adhesive. Buy a small and larger brush. – required
Binding board
We will discuss the most appropriate materials for your work during class.
Binding board
The links tab in the top menu has a list of many suppliers.
Other materials will be discussed as needed
Art supply stores in Madison:
University Bookstore, 711 State Street (Library Mall)
Artist & Craftsman Supply, 201 West Gorham Street
Also consider The Madison Bead Company, 515 S. Midvale Blvd., Madison.
If you plan your work, you can mail order supplies from a this list of vendors.
Suggested books:
The classroom has a small library of books, samples and instruction manuals. Feel free to read them. However, please do not take them from the 6541 Humanities without writing me a note.
See attached bibliography for a more extensive list of books and references.
On line videos:
Jim Escalante’s YouTube channel, I have some helpful videos.
Helpful links and demos:
Sewing on Tapes. a step-by-step demonstration how to sewn a book on tapes created by Indian University.
Simple pamphlet stitch. My handout with instructions on sewing a pamphlet or saddle stitch pamphlet.
Wide Edge Binding instructions. Instructions for sewing single folio bindings using thin wire rods.
Clamshell portfolio instructions. Thorough instructions on making clamshell portfolio boxes.
Longstitch tutorial photos. This link displays 55 photographss of a longstitch binding tutorial.
Marbling demo by Kathleen O’Connell. This link displays 18 photographs from Kathleen’s demo.
Two Signature Pamphlet. Link to 36 photographs of a 2 signature pamphlet binding tutorial.
Grading:
• Attendance is essential in order to learn how to complete your projects and understand the nature and scope of the class. Attendance is required on demonstration days and critique days. If you need time during class to research your individual projects you should let me know before a class when you will not be in class.
• Participation is essential. Be prepared to ask questions. Make suggestions in the demonstrations and during presentations. Bring samples of work that is relevant to the course and discuss the work of other artists and designers working in design.
Special Needs:
I wish to fully include everyone in this class. Please let me know during the first two weeks of class if you require special accommodations to participate. Any personal concerns are strictly confidential. You may also contact the McBurney Disability Center at 263-2741 or by e-mail. They are located at 1305 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706, 608-263-2741 (phone) 263-6393 (tty) 265-2998 (fax). They have a website which can be viewed at http://www.mcburney.wisc.edu/
Assignments – Details and due dates will be presented in class.
Assignment number 1 Pamphlet style book and accordion structures.
Book one should be a blank book sewing into a pamphlet. Carefully select paper for the inside pages, consider adding a single folded sheet of a different color, to use as an end sheet. Take special care in selecting the paper or cover material. Design the cover so that it has a wrapper design.
Book two should include an accordion insert. It should have content and use a modification of the pamphlet binding design. For example the pamphlet stitch might be used to tie many folded signatures on to a concertina section of cover stock. Visit this link to see how to make a two signature pamphlet sample
Assignment number 2 Copic sewn book
Based on the class demonstrations and samples, design two coptic book structures. Book one: Should be a blank book using coptic stitch with folder cover stock for covers. Book must have some type of indication as to which is the front and the back. Book two: Should be a blank book or one with content. Front and back book covers should be made of binder’s board and be covered. Covers should be sewn onto the book form. Book must have some type of indication as to which is the front and the back.
Assignment number 3 Stab binding (Japaneses type sewn binding)
Based on the class demonstrations and samples, design two stab binding structure. Book one: Select appropriate papers for a stab book binding. Book cover should be made from light weight cover stock. It should not be a hard cover. The book must have some type of indication as to which is the front and the back. Book two: Should have a hard case for the front and back cover. Front and back book covers should be made of binder’s board and be covered with paper or book cloth. They should have a hing section so that the front and back open easily. Book must have some type of indication as to which is the front and the back.
Assignment number 4 Sewing on tapes
Based on the class demonstrations and samples, design a sewn on tapes book structures. Book should be a blank book. Carefully select paper for the inside pages, consider adding a different color for the end sheets. Take special care in selecting the paper or cover material. Design the cover so that it has a wrapper design.
Assignment number 5 Interlocking binding
Create one book following the instructions given to you on the handout. Select appropriate weight and paper color for the assignment. You may make the book any size that you wish.
Assignment number 6 Open project
Open assignment: Design a book, preferably with content utilizing one of the methods that we have studied. Be creative in your adaptation of any of the demonstrated techniques.
