Prairie Book Collaborative

Calligraphy and Penmanship

2010-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Jean Wilson's Presentation and Demostration
Calligraphy and Penmanship
Thursday, April 29
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 201 Cowles Library
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Making Decorative Papers

2010-05-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Peggy Johnston's Presentation and Demostration
Making Decorative Papers
Tuesday, April 20
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 335 Fine Arts Center
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Hand-made Greeting Cards

2010-04-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Kevin House's Presentation and Demonstration
Hand-made Greeting Cards
Thursday, April 15
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 201 Cowles Library
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Linoleum and Woodcut Printing

2010-04-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Donna Yeast & Sue Slater's Presentation and Demonstration
Linoleum and Woodcut Printing
Thursday, April 8, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Reading Room Cowles Library
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

The First Information Age

2010-04-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Susan Koch Bridgford's Lecture
The First Information Age: The Invention of Movable Type
Wednesday March 31st, 2010
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Medbury Lounge
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Letterpress Printing

2010-03-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sara McCoy & Connie Wilson's
Presentation and Demonstration
Letterpress Printing
Tuesday March 23, 2010
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Third Floor Carnegie Hall
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Photo:
Eduardo García-Villada

Lecture notes:

To begin her presentation, Sarah McCoy provided a handout with information about the terminology for letterpress printing. The handout included terms related to letter blocks and a diagram of a California drawer, where blocks are kept and shelved in a cabinet for printing.

Sarah briefly outlined the history of early type, including the Gutenberg metal movable type. Germany, France, and Italy were countries where the publishing industry began. Early European printers introduced the possibilities of editing by printing machine-made editions. From this early printing industry modern publicity was developed. With the invention of movable type came the spread of knowledge.

Sarah McCoy also described the development of wood type, and how it came from Europe to the U.S. Two major figures in the application of this technology were Darius Wells and James Hamilton, whose type creation and collection are now housed in the Museum of Wood Type in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The Hamilton Museum has a collection of 1.5 million pieces of wood type.

During her presentation, Connie Wilson spoke of her family tradition in printmaking beginning with her grandfather, who used to work as a typesetter for the Fort Scott Newspaper in Kansas. Newspapers used to publish prefab pages and local communities would add the local news. Her grandmother also worked in the advertisement industry making calendars using offset printing for graphics and adding booklets for the monthly calendars.

Connie also distributed a handout and passed around the audience (of about 20 participants) pieces of metal types. The participants touched and appreciated the metal type. Connie's handout included links to websites about letterpress printing.

She also talked about the history of the Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN and showed a book with samples of the work done by the Hatch printing house. Connie mentioned that the use of manual or mechanical printing presses was dying because most of the publishing work is now done digitally. However, she said that there is a revival in letterpress printing due to the appeal of the raised letter marks that adds texture to the paper.

After Sarah's and Connie's presentations, they demonstrated the use of the composing sticks for letterpress printing. Their presentation was followed by a hands-on printing of a poster with big red and brown wood type letters that reads "Spring Time in Iowa!"

Illuminated Manuscripts

2010-03-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Paula Curran's Lecture
Creating Illuminated Manuscripts During the Middle Ages
Tuesday March 2, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Medbury Lounge
Drake University; Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Image Source:
Lindisfarme Gospels
British Library Online Gallery

Lecture Notes:

Paula began her presentation by saying that she takes a graphic design perspective rather than a historical approach in her study of Medieval Manuscripts. She outlined the history of the development of the materials used in manuscript writing, as well as the printing and illumination of texts using those materials.

Papyrus was made using reeds that were open and laid horizontally and vertically to make paper. One problem posed by the use of papyrus was the material was less durable. Parchment was made from the hide of calves and used for writing. There are several steps in the process of preparation of the parchment for writing. First, the hide needs to be washed and scraped to get rid of hair, then the hide is stretched and left to dry in a frame. Parchment is very durable. Parchment was cut in rectangles and then scored with a nail or sharp object to be lined. Quills were made of goose feathers from the left wing; feathers were specially treated for writing. Gold leaf was used in illumination. Silver was also used but it tarnished.

Before the 11th century, only members of religious orders did manuscript writing. During the 11th century, there were changes in the church writing policies, and secular scribes were allowed to write manuscripts. During the 13th century, paper was invented in China. Paper was not used at that time for manuscript writing in Europe. It took 1000 years for the invention of paper to make it to Europe.

In 1436, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing process with replaceable/moveable wooden or metal letters. At that time the printing press and manuscript writing worked side by side. The Gutenberg Bible was printed on paper made out of rugs. Initially, the printing press was seen as the "work of the devil." Paula mentioned the book "How the Irish saved civilization: the untold story of Ireland's heroic role from the fall of Rome to the rise of medieval Europe," by Thomas Cahill, as a good source of information about manuscript writing during the Middle Ages. Paula also showed pictures of pages from the “Book of Kells” to illustrate the high level of artistic content and execution in that manuscript.

During the 5th century Irish Celts were missionaries who also copied manuscripts. In the 9th century, manuscript copies of the "Book of John" were believed to bring protection, cure disease, and they were carried to battle.

In terms of type style, “uncials” were used and in Latin they mean letters of "one inch high" for majuscules (capitals). Then, ascenders and descenders were developed. For the binding of books, the most elaborate designs were called "Treasure Binding" and they include precious and semiprecious stones incrusted on the book covers for decoration.

Paula finished her presentation by mentioning the contemporary use of illumination techniques such as the ones seen in the production of the Saint John's Bible commissioned in 1998 by the Saint John's Abbey and University in Minnesota. A video about the illumination of the St. John's Bible is available from PBS, and pages of the St John's Bible can be seen in an exhibit next year in Des Moines, IA at Westminster Presbyterian Church April 1 - April 30, 2011

Book Arts Series at Drake University

2010-02-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Spring 2010 Book Arts: Dialogues and Languages
A Series of Lectures, Workshops, and Demonstrations

The purpose of the Spring 2010 Book Arts: Dialogues and Languages is to familiarize Drake University students with the collaborative process among writers, printmakers, and bookbinders in the production of hand-made Artists Books. The series delves into the cultural frameworks that inform the innovations of the book, and the book as an object of humanistic inquiry.

The series is sponsored by Drake University Humanities Center, Cowles Library, and World Languages and Cultures Program in collaboration with Prairie Book Collaborative of Des Moines.

Poster Design:
Goizane Mullin

Studio Tour Chris Peden

2009-09-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Name: Chris Peden

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym: Dang, I wish I had something clever-you all are going to have to help me come up with a studio/business/art pseudonym. Be nice!

Website/blog: http://evidenceofanartisticlife.blogspot.com/
http://picasaweb.google.com/goddess.di.arte

Describe your studio/work area: The dormer of a very old Beaverdale home. It was completely unfinished when we moved in, and full of the prior owners (all of them since 1916) garbage. We finished it ourselves and used it as a bedroom for my son. When he went to college-I moved my studio up there. (my daughter is still pouting).

Do you have a day job? I work for the State of Iowa in Human Resources. I am also a mom and step-grandmom!!

How did you get started in the book world? In college, I did camera ready artwork for advertisements for local nightclubs, politicians and public entities. I continued to do freelance camera ready art after college-really stimulating stuff like product brochures, displays for conventions, conference brochures, ads for local bars (a theme here??), political campaigns (another theme) and whatever else someone would pay me to do. It was my secondary income. I started dong convention displays for rubber stamp companies-postcards, cards, and a bit of mixed media. I wanted to make something special for my parent’s 50th anniversary, but not a traditional scrapbook-I had already done 20 volumes of scrapbooks of my children and step-children lives. I started researching artist books, and it all kind of evolved from there.

What inspires you? Anything and everything. Vintage stuff; rusty things, anything paper, old labels, buttons, game pieces, things I find on the street, and the work of my friends and other artists.

What is your favorite technique? I make a lot of books, eraser carvings, mixed media pieces, jewelry, and things from clay. I will try anything!

What is one tool you couldn't live without? A good paper cutter. And lots of paper-two things, but they sort of run together!

What is the most challenging part of what you do? Finding the time right now. I would love to teach again and have more in-my-own studio classes again-but the day job and some family things are interfering with my passion.

What is the most rewarding? It is all rewarding. Having someone send a magazine with one of my pieces in it and asking me to sign it; having someone ask me to do a particular book/journal for a special occasion for them or a loved one; having been asked to teach a book or binding in a far away place; having friends recognize my art on sight at conventions that I can’t attend; seeing my work in books and magazines. Extra special is having one of my kids tell me they really like a particular book or piece of work is great. A friend of mine bought some of my eraser carvings and turned them into rubber stamps and sold them (okay-a lot of my friends own them, but still!!!) I meet (in person or through exchanges) the most awesome people. I exchanged art with Angela Cartwright-Sound of Music (Brigitta) and Lost in Space (Penny Robinson) and she published my work in one of her zines. I fly to the East Coast every year and meet up with 14 friends from across the US and we spend a week or two making books, jewelry, polymer clay pieces, mixed media, paper-each of us teach a class or two, and in exchange, learn another dozen or so techniques. We all met on the internet-exchanging art, ideas, techniques and a whole lot of friendship.

Where do you show/share your work? Since I have done mostly commissioned work-it is shown by rubber stamp companies, artist supply vendors, and at eraser carving shows. I did a few Sunday afternoon tea showings in local places. I have done demos at wholesaler shows and conventions. I show my art when I teach.

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? I was looking for something local. I found a postcard about an Edible Book event at Koch Bros. At that same time, I found out that Susan was the mom of my daughter’s boyfriend. She heard from my daughter that I made books and kept me in mind for this book. I am excited and scared!!

The Book in Time & Place

2009-09-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Book in Time and Place: A Selection of Artist Books from The University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections and Drake Universities Cowles Library.

September 11 - October 9, 2009, Anderson Gallery Opening Reception: Friday, September 11, 5-7 pm

The books in the exhibition were chosen to address historical narrative, memoir, and time in books as well as the perceptions and representations of “place.” In addition, the curators hope toillustrate the wide range of approaches that artists can take when using the book as a form of artistic and literary expression. The books included in the exhibition utilize letterpress, various printmaking capabilities, strong illustrative or sculptural qualitiesand unique bindings. The goal of the exhibition is to enhance understanding of 20th century artistic and literary developmentswithin the world of books.

Events connected with the exhibition:

Artist Book Lecture: Layering Meaning: Structure and Content in Artist Bookworks,

Julia Leonard, The University of Iowa Center for the Book Wednesday,

September 9, 4:30 336 Fine Art Center Anderson Gallery will be open after the lecture until 7pm for viewing of books.

Julia Leonard is a book artist teaching at the University of Iowa Center for the Book and graphic design in the School of Art and Art History. She has been awarded an artist-in-residence position atPenland School of Crafts from 1990-93. Julia shows her work nationally and is included in many special collections including University of Delaware and Ringling School of Art and Design among many various exhibitions. She will be discussing works included in the current exhibition at the Anderson Gallery.

Bookmaking Workshop, Peggy Johnston, Des Moines Book Artist and Binder

Saturday, September 12, 9 am - 4 pm, 300 Carnegie

The first 10 Drake University students to sign up are free (sign upbegins in Art and Design office on Thursday, Aug. 27th) after that itis $25 fee for Drake Students and $60 for non-Drake students, Must be registered to attend, contact Judy Drury to register at:http://us.mc461.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy.drury@drake.edu

Studio Tour Sarah McCoy

2009-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Sarah McCoy

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym: The Permanent Collection-
letterpress cards, broadsides, design and printing

Website/blog: http://thepermanentcollection.blogspot.com/

Describe your studio/work area: a studio in my basement. I have a
press, woodtype, metal type, lots of ink, a flat file, drying rack and
helpful husband.

Do you have a day job? professor of Graphic Design at Drake University

How did you get started in the book world? I took undergraduate
courses in book arts at the University of Iowa Center for the Book.
When I went back to school for my MFA in Graphic Design I also
enrolled as a University of Iowa Center for the Book Student for my
graduate certificate which I received in 2006, my concentration was
letterpress.

What inspires you? Book artists such as Johanna Drucker, Walter
Hamady, Spring Tide Press, and many fine press printers, Dada and
Futurist books, travel, too many to list…

What is your favorite technique? Letterpress

What is one tool you couldn't live without? My Vandercook SP-15 Press

What is the most challenging part of what you do? Registration and
proper inking and finding time amid my husband, daughter and
professional day job.

What is the most rewarding? seeing people buy my cards and work on
display in exhibitions.

Where do you show/share your work? I sell my cards at various local
and national stores as well as exhibit work at The ALL Gallery in New
Haven, CT, 23 Sandy Gallery in Portland, OR, Minneapolis and various
other galleries nationally and internationally. My artist books are in
several University Special Collections and the Library of Congress.

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? the local connection with
area artists and working together for a common goal.

Studio Tour Eduardo Garcia

2009-09-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Eduardo García

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym: Booklore

Website/blog: http://edgavi2.googlepages.com/home

Describe your studio/work area: A cozy and sometimes messy corner of my home basement.

Do you have a day job? I am an Assistant Professor of Spanish

How did you get started in the book world? As a volunteer in the periodical room of my public library

What inspires you? Dreams and nature

What is your favorite technique? Coptic binding

What is one tool you couldn't live without? paper cutters

What is the most challenging part of what you do? staying focused on a single project

What is the most rewarding? selling my books

Where do you show/share your work? Octagon Center for the Arts (Ames, Iowa, USA); Librería La Central del Raval (Barcelona, Spain)

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? My interest in working collaboratively

Any other comments? We deserve to have a Center for the Book Arts in Des Moines, Iowa

Studio Tour Eugenio Roberto Coco

2009-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Eugenio Roberto Coco

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym: WASH–AND–WEAR NO PRESS

Describe your studio/work area: A tidy borrowed space in the piano room of an elderly friend, who no longer plays.

Do you have a day job? Yes, staying out of trouble and taking my meds.

How did you get started in the book world? Before kindergarten. My father was a bookaholic and therefore it is in my blood.

What inspires you? Shiny objects and discount coupons

What is your favorite technique? Melted crayola and emulsion of oil and water soluble pigments

What is one tool you couldn't live without? Pill counter

What is the most challenging part of what you do? Restraint

What is the most rewarding? The smirk on people's faces

Where do you show/share your work? At the Edible Book Teas

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? Arrogance, envy and self effacing humor

Any other comments? Always check for accurate spelling

Studio Tour Susan Koch Bridgford

2009-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Susan Koch Bridgford

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym: Mama's in the Laundryroom Press

Website/blog: are you kidding?

Describe your studio/work area: old letterpress type, 5x7 Kelsey platen press, small proof press and book press, primitive paper-making stuff in the back of the laundryroom (where I seem to spend most of my waking hours at home)

Do you have a day job? Yes. I manage a 120-year-old family printing business (with lots more letterpress and bindery equipment)

How did you get started in the book world? I was a printers' devil for the above business as a kid -- and it got in my blood.

What inspires you? reading and appreciating physical books

What is your favorite technique? letterpress printing and typography

What is one tool you couldn't live without? type guage

What is the most challenging part of what you do? finding time

What is the most rewarding? creating an attractive, readable design in any medium

Where do you show/share your work? with PBC members and public at our edible book teas

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? it's an outlet for my passions to write and print my own words

Studio Tour Jean Wilson

2009-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Jean Wilson

Describe your studio/work area: I have a studio where I meet with clients and have samples of writing on walls.

Do you have a day job? I do not have a job other than my envelope addressing and teaching at the Des Moines Art Center

How did you get started in the book world? Taking bookbinding classes at the Des Moines Art Center. It dovetailed nicely with my lettering and calligraphy. I prefer my lettering to be in books or on envelopes. I am not that fond of doing framed pieces although I have a few that I like. I am much more drawn to ephemeral art.

What inspires you? Anything that is growing out of the soil. Contemporary Dutch design. Modern architecture.

What is your favorite technique? G-Tec pens on paper, pointed or flat brush on walls, cutting Tyvek.

What is one tool you couldn't live without? G-Tecs and Xacto blades. (I know that's two, but I love them equally.)

What is the most challenging part of what you do? Concentrating and not letting my mind wander when I am addressing envelopes.

What is the most rewarding? When clients get feedback on their envelopes

Where do you show/share your work? By appointment at my studio.

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? Hoping to get a Center for the Book established.

Studio Tour Peggy Johnston

2009-08-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Name of studio/business/art pseudonym:Waveland Studio

Website/blog: wavelandstudio.com

Describe your studio/work area:Gradually taking over the house. Two front bedrooms, the attic and part of the basement

Do you have a day job? Working in my studio

How did you get started in the book world? I took a little class at the Des Moines Art Center and was hooked, although books and containers have always fascinated me. I study with some of the top book binders and book artists in the country every chance I get.

What inspires you? Usually, it is the materials themselves, but sometimes, it goes the other way.

What is your favorite technique? I don't have one. I love them all.

What is one tool you couldn't live without? Hard to say. My big book press.

What is the most challenging part of what you do? Solving engineering problems to make my pieces work properly.

What is the most rewarding? When the problem solving works.

Where do you show/share your work? On my website, and in my teaching, and in shows and exhibitions.

What drives you to work creatively in PBC? The challenge of pulling all our ideas, creativity, and knowledge into a final product.

Introduction

2009-06-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

We are a group of artists, calligraphers, bookmakers and designers interested in book arts, binding and printing. We are located in Des Moines, Iowa.