Shared Spaces Bookmaking is my name for special group-bookmaking experiences, ranging from various types of workshops to guided projects for small groups. I enjoy encouraging individuals and groups to create books that bring delight. Although I'm not currently offering in-person workshops, I'd be glad to talk with you about approaches you might want to try, and the following descriptions of workshops I've offered might yield some ideas for you.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops at Art/Book Art Schools
In partnership with various schools of art/book arts, I have offered many types of workshops designed to ignite each participant's creative energy.
In late April 2019, at the lovely and welcoming Florence Thomas Art School, in West Jefferson, NC, we created a variety of books and envelopes, then experimented with ways of combining them. I'm fascinated by the endless possibilities for shaping unique book-and-envelope containers for musings and mementos.
Here are a few other examples of my workshops. In September 2015 I taught "Books with an Origimai Touch" at the Florence Thomas Art School. In September of 2013, I offered the workshop "Exploring Every Angle," at the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation (Cleveland, OH). I've also offered various workshops through Asheville BookWorks, Appalachian State University's Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and other venues. Special environments such as these have been ideal for bookmaking explorations and idea sharing.
Among the workshops I've offered are these:
- The Envelope, Please: Envelope + Book Explorations
- Flower, Leaf, Stick—Books for Springtime
- Flag Books: Content in Motion
- Simple Elegance: Making Pamphlet-Stitched Books
- Journals with Exposed-Stitch Spines
- Accordion Adventures
Whatever the workshop focus, my teaching has always reflected my passion for creating varied book forms and my commitment to nurturing each individual's process.
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Workshop Partnerships with Wellness-Focused Groups
Groups focused on wellness, healing, meditation, and other aspects of well-being are ones who often discover new perspectives through shared artmaking activities. In workshops, I have found that creating one's own books or journals offers a unique route for expressiveness that, in turn, supports wellness journeys. Creating Interwoven was a central to my own healing journey in recent years.
Bookmaking Activities to Support Literacy Groups and Science Teachers
As noted on the Book Arts for Literacy part of this website, I welcome opportunities to brainstorm with literacy-promoting organizations--especially those serving adult learners--in planning activities for both their clients and their staff members.
Also, as indicated on this website's BookArt+Science section, I'm interested in supporting science teachers and others exploring activities that integrate art and science activities, whether in schools or in extracurricular settings.
If you'd like to discuss ideas related to either of these realms, please email me.
sharphandmadebooks@gmail.com
