Come Hell or High Water
The Sunday Paper #526
October 6, 2024
It breaks my heart to read this from The Penland School in North Carolina:
“Penland is currently closed as we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Fall concentration and fall weekend workshops have been cancelled.”
Penland is dear to my heart. I have been there in many capacities: as a work study student, studio assistant, instructor and guest instructor. And although I am not in frequent communication with anyone at Penland, I mention the school whenever I lecture, because it was a place that I always feel nurtured and inspired. The people I met there early in my career, and the lifestyles I witnessed, were influential in the development of my career.
If you read this note from Mia Hall, Penland’s director, you will see that, in the face of adversity, she mentions the strength of the community in her first sentence. This gives me hope.
And she goes on to say that “donations won’t just support the physical cleanup and repairs, but our commitment to pay our staff, including our artists scheduled to teach, through this period of closure and loss of income.” This kind of commitment – to everyone that makes Penland a special place – is vital. If you have the means, here’s how you can help Penland.
I know that Penland is luckier than other places in Western North Carolina and beyond. If you are in need, here are two institutions that offer support to artists: Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants; the Craft Emergency Relief Fund.
And finally, this newsletter from Vamp & Tramp, an artist’s book dealer that sells my work, is poignant now: “The 2024 US presidential election is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. As you prepare to vote there are many campaign issues to consider – abortion, border security and immigration, climate change, democracy, economy, education, foreign policy, war views, healthcare, LGBT rights and so many more. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. Following is a list of works by book artists that address many areas of our political arena. We hope they give you thoughtful consideration and stimulation to vote.”
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Today I’m traveling (again!) to Storey Publishing in North Adams, MA to help with the step-by-step photo shoot for my upcoming book about paper weaving.
And next week, I’ll be giving the keynote address at the North American Hand Papermaker’s conference in Denver. (That link takes you a page, where you’ll learn a bit more about me). Despite the fact that I could barely raise my hand to answer a question in class as a kid (I was so shy!), I’m really looking forward to this keynote address. And as I said above, I will be mentioning how The Penland School of Craft influenced my life in paper.
My life is a bit too full at the moment, and I’m looking forward to no future travel plans (until there are some :))!
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I talked about community in my free workshop last Monday, when we kicked off registration for The Paper Year, my online membership community. We created these single sheet lanterns (I showed several corner treatments and this one (below left) features folds that hold the corners in place – no glue! Watch the replay and learn how to make this lantern.
The Paper Year is now open for new members now through October 10th. Click through to read all about it and join us.
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This exhibition, at the Ortigas Foundation Library (2nd Floor Unimart), Greenhills, San Juan, just ended, but you’ll see some great works, by international book artists, featured in this article. The exhibition offered a distinct and tactile visual experience, reflecting the unique heritage and aesthetic of traditional bookbinding and papermaking, especially its use of papyrus and parchment in the form of scrolls and codex for writing.
Elmer Borlongan. Assorted Artists’ Books. Photo by RC Ladrido.
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Check this out! Freshman from the Pacific NW College of Art created wearable items made entirely of cardboard: no adhesives; no material fastening or adornments made from anything other than the cardboard itself; that’s it! Now in its 15th year, Cardboard Couture is the brainchild of David Eckard, head of the sculpture department.
Portland art school students create cardboard couture
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If you are in the Bay Area, you are invited to the Book Arts Bazaar on October 19th, a celebration of the book arts, presented by the Bay Area Book Artists. This free event features: printing demonstrations: take a turn on the press; hands-on activities: make your own mini book – a fun activity for kids; a gallery of artist books made by members; vendors offering unique artist books, handmade papers, greeting cards, art supplies, and more; and a flea market/boutique of deeply discounted art-related items.
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Paper Tidbits
- I’m teaching a free workshop through the Guild of American Papercutters on October 26th.
- We’ll be making woven paper lanterns and books in a one-day online session through Maine Media Workshops in December – perfect for holiday gift giving. Join me!
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1 Comment
I, too, spent many happy hours at Penland and, like everyone, have been horrified at all the destruction in Western North Carolina. I was glad to read of the community spirit at Penland and wish them a full recovery.