Introduction to the Artist's Book Online Workshop

 Registration is closed for this event

October 13th, 2020 3:00 PM

  • Instructor: Matt Runkle
  • Workshop Type: Binding, Arts
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: October 13th, 2020 3:00 PM
  • Workshop End: October 27th, 2020 5:00 PM
  • Sessions: 3

Rescheduled due to impact from fires and smoke - now October 13, 20 & 27, 3-5pm PDT

In the first of three sessions, we’ll look at an overview of artist's books, discussing definitions, concepts, and numerous examples from the form’s history. We’ll then learn a simple book structure, which students will then develop into a “book sketch” as homework.

The second session will involve learning several more advanced book models and structures, as well as a couple low-tech printing techniques (stenciling, image transfers) that students can do at home. Students will then pick a model that they’ll begin to develop with content for a mockup that they may hope to later develop into a more finished edition.

In the final session, students will share their works in progress. The instructor will help them address any hurdles they face on their way to completing an artist book edition, discussing strategies for furthering and expanding concepts developed during the class. We’ll wrap up by talking about some of the practical considerations when embarking on a content-based book project and how they relate to the book artist's many roles: author, illustrator, editor, publisher, printer, and binder.


Materials to Bring: 

X-Acto or Olfa knife, cutting mat, awl, bone folder, PVA, glue brush, blunt needle, linen bookbinding thread, pencil, scissors, ruler, 5-inch or bigger triangle, 8 ½ x 11-inch scrap paper.

Two–three short quotes (no more than a couple sentences) or poems (4-6 lines) to be used as inspiration for your books; ideas; old magazines, books, and Xeroxes you might want to use for collage.

Workshop Fee: $120

Date & Time: RESCHEDULED: 3 Tuesdays :: October 13, 20 & 27, 2020 :: 3-5pm Pacific time

Location: Online via Zoom

Please note, this workshop will be held live over Zoom. The class will NOT be recorded/distributed to students for later viewing.

Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.


About the Instructor | Matt Runkle

Matt Runkle is a writer, cartoonist, collagist, and book artist. His artist books are held at permanent collections at the Library of Congress, the Newberry Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, and others. He has taught at venues including University of Iowa Center for the Book, University of Nevada–Reno, and Penland School of Crafts. His workshops often incorporate letterpress, zines, comics, sequential collage, and other modes of writing for visual and material genres.


Past Student Reviews:

 “Matt was very supportive and also explained things clearly and well.”

"Matt provided great feedback and suggestions as we went along."

"Very thoughtful, knowledgeable and able to communicate book making techniques to students at varying levels of expertise."