A Minibook

During the past six months, we have made several trips to Wisconsin from Florida, where we live. Some of them were during the winter months when record-breaking snow and cold prevailed. All through the period, ideas and images were percolating in my head and I have begun to put them together in a book. First I created the book itself in an accordian-style format about two inches square with brocade covers. I used marbled paper that I purchased in Florence, Italy, for the end papers. Photos of the bleak winter landscape had accumulated in my digital camera; words to go with them were forming in my mind.
Before the most recent journey, I had pasted a selection of small photos into the book. Most of the haiku-like poems are ready to be lettered onto the pages opposite the photos. This little book doesn't seem to capture the experience, however, so I am contemplating another altered book. I like the altered book concept just because it allows for more wildness and creativity; at the same time, I love the precise little minibooks, too, for their neat and tidy control of both image and word. I think I am advancing toward my goal.
This week I received confirmation of my entry in a Penland School class called "A Survey of Decorative Paper Techniques." I expect to learn more about Asian papermaking, marbling, and other kinds of paper arts at the August 2008 session with Steve Pittelkow. After this one, the next class I take will be in binding.