Artist Books :
An Artist book is an art object. It asks to be held.
The Godine Library at MassArt has a wonderful selection of Artist Books, please have a look. Artists’ Books at MassArt and here are some Artist Books from MOMA
Artist Books come in all shapes and sizes. They can be unfolded, opened and discovered. Best of all, they allow the artist to make the whole object into art.
Today we will make Sketchbooks, or blank artist books.
Shantell Martin – Illustrator ShantellMartin
Shantell Martin is an illustrator working in large and small scale drawing with no color. “Exploring themes such as intersectionality, identity and play, Martin is a cultural facilitator, forging new connections between fine art, education, design, philosophy and technology.”
I love black and white drawing. I think there is so much variety possible using just a black line. Martin’s work has the look of a sharpie marker, making it visually relateable for both children and adults.
Sketchbook Prompts Inspired by Shantell Martin: Using only black lines, draw 5-7 variations of an object. Or- Using only black line, create a doodle a day for one week.
Alma Thomas – Colorist and Teacher Alma Thomas
I love color theory. Alma Thomas was a painter who worked in full color. “Thomas was the first person to graduate from Washington, D.C.’s Howard University’s fine arts department in 1924, after which she gained an MA in art education from Columbia University in 1934. Thomas’ legacy is defined by critical acclaim and achievements, including a 1972 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.” Alma Thomas’ work can be a great entry point for collage, color theory and painting, all of which can be incorporated into a sketchbook.
Sketchbook Prompts inspired by Alma Thomas: Choose either Primary colors or Secondary colors for a cover collage. Or Create a pattern with complementary colors for the cover art, any media.
Laura Freeman – Illustrator LauraFreeman
Laura Freeman is a children’s book illustrator. For me, children’s books are the original art works I grew up with. They are the reason I wanted to go to art school; to be a children’s book illustrator like Laura Freeman. Be sure to look up the story behind “Hidden Figures” it is a wonderful inspirational true story.
Sketchbook Prompts inspired by Laura Freeman: Create a 5-7 panel story about your day. Create a short story about change; show a transformation of an object or character.
Now that we are inspired… let’s get into the Sketchbooks.
Book binding comes in many forms. The method we will use today is a Japanese Stab Binding. Also known as Chinese Stab Binding, it appears that this technique originated so long ago that is credited to both places.
The history of Stab Binding can be found here…The Chinese Book: Its Evolution and Development
A stab binding is just that. The cover and pages are “stabbed” and bound together with thread. This method is easy to make and a good starting point to learn book binding. Young children can use a hole punch and ribbon instead of the needle and thread.
The supply list and the directions for binding the book can be found here…
in our Big Blue Folder Now it is time to create!
Links to extra help if needed…
This is a link to the most recommended tutorials on Stab Binding Top 15 Japanese Stab Binding Tutorials on the Internet
This You Tube tutorial is really clear and thorough, but she adds steps that I have skipped, so it may take a bit longer. DIY Japanese Bookbinding Tutorial | 4-Hole | Sea Lemon
This is a step by step picture tutorial that is also a bit more in depth. Bookbinding Fundamentals: Basic Stab Binding