I’ve been busy in the studio creating a new book. It features the history and reconstruction of the Long-Graham barn owned by the Northcoast Regional Land Trust in Freshwater, California. I didn’t have a fixed idea of what the book would look like when I started but it has evolved into a vessel containing memorabilia about the history of the barn. It’s a kind of miniature barn. I will be sewing it together with sticks on the spine and the sections contain pockets, foldouts, etc. I love making this kind of book: history, local materials, creative challenges, and s a snapshot in time. For now, here is a sneak preview! I still have time to add more memorabilia. The historical research has been fascinating. I found the 1880 Census records of the Long Family and listed below them were about 15 Chinese immigrants who were there to work on the railroad – I’m assuming the Freshwater Railroad. All Chinese were forced out of Humboldt County in 1885 and my Dutch ancestors arrived in 1890 to jeers and taunts on the Eureka dock; they were in native dress with clogs. The was not a proud moment in our local history.

After sewing it together, I still have time to add memorabilia. Research never ends.

Title Page

Photos

Map of Freshwater

Matchbook Book in a Pocket

Straw Paper, Articles from Local Newspapers, Blackberry prints

Redwood Boards from the Original Barn (1910)

I

When I headed to Nebraska this Fall I had already committed to making a book for the Humboldt County Library Foundation auction to be held December 5 at the Ingomar Club in Eureka, California. I had an idea of what I wanted to make and I brought an abundance of materials along so that I could have choices. I love working in my studio in rural Nebraska; I’ve  done some of my most creative work isolated from people, phones, and internet. I had almost completed the book when I discovered that one of my favorite artists Karen Kunc was offering a class in boxmaking in Lincoln, Nebraska, and this was no ordinary box! I was thrilled to take yet another class from such a talented artist and teacher. So. I built a box for the book.

The Coptic bound book is made from old growth redwood boards rescued from the 1905 carriage house of Liz Murguia, president of the library foundation board. The apple twigs come from a 50 year old Gravenstein apple tree belonging to Sara Traphagen, vice-president of the library foundation board. The book structure was inspired by another wonderful book artist and teacher Margo Klass.

The thread is heavy natural flax, the pebble comes from the Mad River Beach, and the sections inside were constructed  from German Ingres paper wrapped in eco-dyed papers.

The clamshell box is covered with linen book cloth with recessed niches for eco-dyed papers on the front and spine.

When the book and platform are removed a tray is revealed which can also be removed. Whoever wins the bid on this can write in the journal and store their treasures in the tray. This is a fairly large box (9″ x 7″ x 4.5″) and I have plans to make a series of smaller ones. I’m always surprised by the completed project as I never know what I will create when I start out. I love the mathematical and logical ways of putting things together but it’s the unpredictability of the artistic opportunities that are the most exciting. Here is hoping that the auction brings in lots of money to support the purchase of non-fiction books for children – this year’s project.