Artist Teacher: Karen Hanmer
Day & Date: Wednesday March 8, 2023
Times: Pacific time, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., with classroom doors open at 8:45 AM
Venue: SDBA Zoom, with recording access to registrants for 30 days following class
Skill Level: Students should have some prior binding experience.
Class Description: The Jacob’s Ladder book structure is borrowed from a folk toy traditionally made of blocks of wood held together with ribbons. The structure is held from one end and allowed to dangle vertically. When the block being held is tilted, the remaining blocks flip over in succession, producing a cascading visual effect.
The structure functions on numerous levels: as a codex held in the hand and read page by page in sequence, as a sculpture, and as a delightful object to play with.
It looks complex, but can in fact be assembled quickly from easily prepared modules: three strips of ribbon attached to a piece of board. It can be made in a home studio with minimal specialized equipment.
Instruction will focus on both craft and content. Students will have the opportunity to examine a variety of finished pieces and models. Importance of creating and refining prototypes will be stressed. Your finished book, plus detailed instructions, will be a valuable reference for future work.
Class Fees: Members only Early Enrollment Plan: $96, Member: $120, Nonmember: $195
Material Fee: None. Registrant provides their own tools & supplies
EEP Deadline: February 20, 2023
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2023
Artist Bio: Karen Hanmer’s artist-made books are physical manifestations of personal essays intertwining history, culture, politics, science and technology. She utilizes both traditional and contemporary book structures, and the work is often playful in content or format. Hanmer’s work is included in collections ranging from The British Library and the Library of Congress to Stanford University and Graceland. She has served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and twice as a presenter at the Guild’s annual Standards of Excellence conference. She offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in traditional binding skills. www.karenhanmer.com