Margo Klass at Newport 2015
Margo Klass is one of my favorite books artsts because of the way she works with wood, the care she takes with detail and bookbinding principles, and the Japanese feel of a lot of her work. I’ve been lucky to have taken three of her classes at the Newport Paper Arts Festival in Newport, Oregon. She is an exceptionally good teacher: patient, well organized, so very talented. She spends her time in Alaska and Maine and makes books as well as altar pieces and box constructions. I’m hoping she will teach at Newport again this April!
I made the book below during her April workshop; it uses sticks from Maine and wood from Alaska. The text block was created with torn Hannemuhle papers. Attaching the sticks was challenging but practice makes perfect and I managed to complete the book. The closure loops were made from fine leather from a repurposed woman’s glove and a fossil is embedded in the cover. The tie is braided waxed linen thread. I love workshops that are a cross between an art class and shop class—love those electric
drills.
My daughter is a serious surfer and beach lover. The following book was a gift for her. Most items are from the Redwood Coast where she grew up. The covers are redwood, sticks are driftwood from Clam Beach, stones are from Stone Lagoon. This book combines ideas from two workshop of Margo’s. The books I love the most are tactile, made of natural materials, and uusually have a rustic look. This is certainly one of them.
This has been a very busy year because of the number of workshops I’ve taken. I’ve neglected my blog. I’m going to catch up! Next: my 10 days in May at Ox Bow, Saugatuck, MIchigan
Michele, these books are beautiful! I especially love the one from Humboldt County artifacts. WOW!! You are so talented.
Thanks Donna. It’s hard to get a good walk in for exercise because I’m always stooping over to pick up things—treasures. Aren’t we lucky to live where we do?
As a fellow “gleaner” I love hearing that you have the same appreciation of found materials. I am always amazed when I stop to pick something up and someone asks,”What are you going to do with that?” There’s just no accounting for some people’s taste or lack thereof!
I love your artistic sensibility.
Sandy your playfulness with the materials is contagious. Are you the same with your quilting?