Creative Chaos Cold Gold.

 My biblionautic chums and friends.

A Studio 5 Master Class.
𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆.

Yesterday, the 9th of June 2024. Venue... Studio 5, S W London.
A one day introduction to using Gold Leaf without heat.
The benches were cleared, some of the prep work was done... I do not like just handing out kits... In this class the students learnt how to make from the beginning, not assemble bits and bobs.
It was full on, fun and a busy day.

From the serene calm before the doors opened to the culmination of what I think of as 'creative chaos', the attendees made, produced, manipulated stuff to create individual works.
We made equipment, yes!, they got to keep the equipment so they can continue with the techniques learnt during the day.

The the day was not just about learning and doing, we delved into the world of art and design, looked at and discussed examples of other creatives outside the world of bookbinding and book arts. How do others create, what do they create and how we can bring elements to our own work bench to be creative with the book (in all of its' genres) to be expressive, gestural, spontaneous, considered and/or deliberate with our out put.

Often the whisper is heard clearer and resonates longer than the bellowed shout. So it is with art and design, why throw everything on the cover of a book when the subtle or truly considered touch is more than enough? I guess it is having the confidence and conviction to know when enough is enough and too much is ...too much.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

The Exhumation of Buried Books.

 My biblionautic chums and friends.

The Buried/Decayed book project. After some four weeks it is time to exhume the buried books on the patio outside Studio 5.

I know that you are all as fascinated with this particular project as I am....... Perhaps not. Please follow the links below.......

 

Exhumation of Buried Books

 

And for the back story previous posts on my youtube channel may help to clear things up!

 

Studio 5 youtube 

 

 

As with my previous posts........ what could possibly go wrong?

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

Minimalist, Rounded and Backed, Tight Back, Remboîtage Binding

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Songs and Poems by Dryden is beginning to take shape and as I wait for things to dry I busy myself with other things...

Now, my dear chum, it may come as something as a bit of a surprise to learn that I have a number of interests that are out of the book binding/book art umbrella. One is archaeology/history, an other is architecture and yet another is making the most of what is available. Bliss, for me at least is when my interests collide... perhaps...come together would be a better description.

So, yesterday evening found me sewing up a text block and doing stuff. Today finding time to finish ............

.........a minimalist, rounded and backed, tight back, remboîtage binding. I realise there is nothing particularly new in all these things........

I love it. The archaeology/history bit; well the boards, from about 1850ish, I think that counts as history. But there is more. The boards have had to have been treated with a number of ointments and stuff to stabilise the calf in preparation for re-use. So there is a little bit of restoration/conservation stuff happening. The structure is simple but one has to know how to do it. You know all those little things like understanding paper, what thread to use to achieve the correct swell, rounding and backing etc etc etc. Then there is leather paring, I could go on. I realise that to all of the experts out there it is simple, and I see you yawning at the back of the room, stuff. However, as an introduction to aspects of book binding, restoration/conservation etc... I feel it ticks a number of boxes. I feel a workshop coming on!

Please note, for those of you with sharp eyes and a keen set of fingers ready to scorn... I know the book does not look square, 10 out of 10 - it is not square. There is not one right angle on either board. Again, yes there are lumps on the spine. Well done... it is the sewing, if I may refer you back to what could be thought of as the name of the book......'a minimalist, rounded and backed, tight back, remboîtage binding'. A key word is minimalist, very little in the way of spine linings, nothing is hidden. And, may draw your attention to the Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou. A building in Paris, designed by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini. The building, and others of its' ilk are known for having elements of the structure, services etc very much on view. As for making the most of what is available, well I guess that would be time and materials in this case.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆. Only 2 Places left!!!!!!!

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

ONLY 2 SPACES NOW AVAILABLE

A Studio 5 Master Class.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆.

9th of June 2024. Venue... Studio 5, S W London.

A one day introduction to using Gold Leaf without heat. Traditionally gold leaf is used in the titling of tooling of designs on books using glare, heat and expensive hand tools. The Cold Gold workshop opens up an intriguing number of ways to use gold leaf to create any number of design possibilities.

The day starts with preparing 3 leather covered plaquettes in preparation for 3 variations in Cold Gold techniques. Following a demonstration of a number of leather manipulation techniques, including ‘Maril’, a technique of creating a multitude of shapes and forms with leather, pioneered by Philip Smith. One of the plaquettes will be prepared using any number of the techniques demonstrated. The two remaining plaquettes with flat leather (non manipulated leather).

As the day progresses, mini demonstrations will introduce the participants to ‘Sunago’; a Japanese form of using flaked gold leaf, this will include how to make a sieve tube to achieve the desired effect, press and cut work and direct ‘Form’ pressing. Following the mini demonstrations the participants will have the opportunity to create and synthesise the techniques to create distinctive plaquettes that offer a number of design solutions and pathways.

Only 2 places available. For further information, times, fees etc please email .... 

 

studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

Studio 5 Master Class in COLD GOLD

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

A Studio 5 Master Class.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆.

9th of June 2024. Venue... Studio 5, S W London.

A one day introduction to using Gold Leaf without heat. Traditionally gold leaf is used in the titling of tooling of designs on books using glare, heat and expensive hand tools. The Cold Gold workshop opens up an intriguing number of ways to use gold leaf to create any number of design possibilities.

The day starts with preparing 3 leather covered plaquettes in preparation for 3 variations in Cold Gold techniques. Following a demonstration of a number of leather manipulation techniques, including ‘Maril’, a technique of creating a multitude of shapes and forms with leather, pioneered by Philip Smith. One of the plaquettes will be prepared using any number of the techniques demonstrated. The two remaining plaquettes with flat leather (non manipulated leather).

As the day progresses, mini demonstrations will introduce the participants to ‘Sunago’; a Japanese form of using flaked gold leaf, this will include how to make a sieve tube to achieve the desired effect, press and cut work and direct ‘Form’ pressing. Following the mini demonstrations the participants will have the opportunity to create and synthesise the techniques to create distinctive plaquettes that offer a number of design solutions and pathways.

Only 4 places available. £120.00 including all materials, tool and studio equipment use. For more information please email me.....

studio5bookarts@aol.co.uk 

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

Réarrangement de Poupée.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Réarrangement de Poupée.

A minimalist flat tight back artist's book in remboîtage boards.

A sneak peek of the finished book.

 

I have two distinct memories of things that scared me as a child. One was clowns, the other was dolls. I was always disconcerted by them, perhaps the eyes or the thought that they came alive at night.... 

Work progresses on OBLIQUE a........

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

 Work progresses on OBLIQUE a........

 

 

Week 1 of the Buried/Decayed Book Project on the patio outside Studio 5.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Buried/Decayed book project. Week one of the buried books on the patio outside Studio 5.

Now, please forgive, there really is not much to see. Yes the grass is greener and is growing. Ants have visited, I think there may be a small colony taking up residence along with numerous other wee beasties.

But what about the books? I hear you ask... To be honest I have no idea what is happening with /to them. And that is the rub my chums, if I want to see what is happening I may well disturb what is happening.... It is just a waiting game.

I have included a few images of a previously buried book... just to add a little colour and drama.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

Planting Books.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

A short film about why I bury books. There will be follow-up videos, going through the various processes. Nothing is guaranteed, the final results are always unpredictable. Believe it or not, the curious passerby section is totally unscripted, perfect timing with the passerby asking astute questions on what must appear to be a rather odd thing to be doing. I thank the Red Lion Pub (my local) in Barnes, SW13, for the huge gherkin cans. Film and audio - Nikon Coolpix A1000.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmvoxqR5Law&t=1s 

Last Nights' Mertz

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Last evening was the first evening of the Printwurk Club. An introduction to type and block printing on the Adana 8x5. A free form evening, just have a go, the rule book left on the shelf. Two color printing with the idea of Mertz in the background.

Now, I have to be honest, I had every intention of taking images, work in progress, finished work and the like. Perhaps a short film. But, as it happened, we were so busy doing stuff and having a fun time that I completely forgot. Concentrating on the students, ensuring that what they had in mind would end up on the paper, I suppose that is what the tutor should be doing... not concentrating on taking images to boost their amour propre.

This morning I raided the bins in the studio to see what was left, the first pulls etc. What struck me was how little material had found its' way into the bins. I am sure we did far more. Then I remembered that the students wanted to take everything with them, the first pulls, the mistakes (is there such a thing as a mistake when one is free form learning?) etc etc as they are akin to the preliminary sketches that any artist makes.

So, the image below is the rather poor collection of the residue of the evening. However, looking at the residue, I am quite pleased with the Man in the Moon and Charles Atlas.... "Charles Atlas?" I hear you ask... Yes, Charles Atlas.... it is a long story, perhaps another time.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

 

Homage to Mertz tonight....

My biblionautic chums and friends.

All set for this evening's ... well.....evening class... Introduction to print and stuff.

Just the waiting..... for the 18.30 kick off!

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

Homage to MERTZ

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.Tomorrow evening (6th May 2024) will be the first (of many I hope) evening of the Printwurk Club. So a little prep work is required. Make sure the Adana's are oiled and ready to go, type suused out, blocks waiting etc etc etc.

The evening is intended to introduce students to typeset printing using the fantastic Adana 8x5.... to maximise the printing potential of the Adana. In addition we explore the fluidity of type.

Now it just so happens that a certain Kurt Schwitters lived a stones throw away from Studio 5 while he was in London.... Yes, he of MERTZ. So in a humble sort of way the theme of the evening will look towards MERTZ for initial inspiration.... and why not.

A few practise prints to get me in the mood....

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

On Edge.

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Yesterday was been cool. Teaching on the Studio 5 'Introduction to Bookbinding and Book Arts' - The Bradel Binding module. Today we did edge ploughing with a touch of decoration. Great fun and a little messy... and why not.

 

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.

 

A little gold goes a long way.

 

My biblionautic chums and friends.

Yesterday was one of those days in Studio 5 when stuff of a creative nature was being done.

Little Gems. A mini workshop in one aspect of 'Cold Gold' decorative techniques. A technique that can be both directional in the finished product and as spontaneous as anything and any degree between the two, if you get my meaning.

Please note.... there are other studios/binderies/ doing stuff, spelling and grammar. Please further note, the opinion of the author may change at any moment. This is due to having an open mind of sorts.