Bookbinding Anatomy 101

Pass me the scalpel whilst I make an incision across the spine…through which to insert the needle…keep the bone folder on standby to ensure nice clean precision along the joints….

Bookbinding, I have come to appreciate, is a delicate operation. What better place perhaps, to learn about this skill for first time within the context of a medical library in a hospital?!

During two-hour sessions over a period of four consecutive Tuesday evenings, staff at Musgrove Park Hospital participated in making four different books under the tuition of professional bookbinder, Megan Stallworthy. The workshop, programmed by Emma Quick for Art for Life (the Trust’s art and wellbeing initiative), was part of a series of artist-led workshops for NHS staff taking place at Musgrove Park Hospital.

As a member of the Library Service team and a complete novice bookbinder it was my pleasure to help facilitate and attend these evenings! We were keen for the workshop to take place within the library as a way of promoting and encouraging the space as a place for wellbeing-based activities and thinking that learning book-binding in the context of books themselves was an appealingly romanticised place to do so. This was a context that had previously worked well in the bookshop from my prior experiences as a bookseller. By necessity the hospital site is largely a functional, sterilised or clerical-based place, so I would like to think for many staff that there is something contrastingly comforting about being in an environment surrounded by books. 

Despite my art background and years spent stacking, selling, displaying and shelving books, I confess to having never attempted making one. I know very little about the origins of how the physical part of a book is produced; like many perhaps, knowing slightly more about what is involved in writing the words and content. Fortunately for me, I was not alone! The nine of us taking part also had no prior or limited experience and Megan, the ever-patient tutor was highly organised in breaking down the steps needed to make each book so what at first felt like it could be a complicated task became manageably enjoyable.

Over the sessions we managed to make four books:  two variations of an accordion book, a single section case binding and a long stitch binding. All four involved various different techniques, each new skill demonstrated under Megan’s precision and expertise along with being equipped with the proper tools like the bone-fold, bradawl, waxed-thread, grey board, glue and papers that make a significant difference from being shown how to make something and actually producing an object that is something one will keep and is proud of. It was the opportunity to learn the meaning of terms such as ‘creep’ and which direction to cut/fold based on the grain of the paper to how to measure cover paper and spine widths, different techniques to apply glue (who knew?) and how to make a sewing template for stitching pages together. For the second time this year, I the reluctant sewer attempted to thread needles as I stitched the cartridge paper into my pre-measured casing holes. My resulting long stitch binding was rather shaky, but I had still managed to produce something that held itself together. My favourite to make though were the accordion books as these involved no stitching whatsoever and were more involved with gluing and folding techniques. With these books in particular I found myself planning what might go inside them and ideas for things I could write or draw.

I enjoyed conversations about the ‘hand of the maker’ involved in each of the individual books that we were making; how our own ‘imperfections’ of how we may have cut the paper or bound the pages together are not necessarily faults but characteristics or quirks of their handmade origins. Something of an anti-perfectionist myself, I like to celebrate those traces of hand and uniqueness that come from the handmade object that can never be recreated in the mass produced. I think there is a Japanese word, ‘wabi sabi’, which succinctly encapsulates what I am referring to here- an ‘acceptance of imperfection’.

Apart from learning a new skill, these sessions were also a chance to talk and meet new people, all of whom have different roles/responsibilities throughout the hospital from nursing to managerial and clerical. It was good to come together for a shared experience at the end of the busy working day as a group of people who were all eager to learn something new. We all had four books to show for our efforts and I for one can now say I’ve made my own book -in a library! Though I do not expect to be something of an expert when it comes to any future book repairs…

More information about Megan Stallworthy's workshops and beautiful handmade books can be found here: http://www.perfectbindings.co.uk/

Own Executive Meeting!

In May 2014 'Herman the Chameleon'* was sold as part of Musgrove Park Hospital's biannual 'Art for Life' auction, otherwise known as 'Art on the Block'. Two years on and we're back with 'Executive Meeting' a silverpoint and ink drawing. (For more info about silverpoint click on link at bottom of this post**)

 

Mine is one of eighty-six artist's blocks featuring genuinely exciting and brilliant contributions from Somerset-based artists that include; Louise Baker, Michael Fairfax, Elizabeth Earley, Jon England, Sara Dudman, Michael Tarr, Andrew Davey, Richard Pomeroy, Peter Messa, Jane Mowat, Gordon Field, Tim Martin and Fiona Bradford to name but a FEW! It is a great way of owning a small, affordable art work and I strongly recommend viewing them all before making a decision. Wonderful stuff and all money in support of a very worthwhile cause!

 

Art on the Block is a charity art auction raising funds to improve the environment at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.  You can support this event by pre-bidding on line from 11th April until 9 May 2016 or you can attend the auction which takes place in the Beacon Centre, Musgrove Park Hospital on Tuesday 24th May 2016 at 6pm.

Reknowned local and international artists have created works on A5 blocks, including painting, drawing, print, glass, collage and sculpture.

 

http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/art-on-the-block-2016/

 

Lot 34. Natalie Parsley, 'Executive Meeting' Silverpoint, ink. (2016)

 

Good luck choosing your favourites!

 

If you feel compelled to be within a chance of owning my block, 'Executive Meeting' then please place your pre-auction bids for Lot 34, here:

http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/art-on-the-block-2016/gallery-2/lot-34/

 

* Find out how last year's auction went at: http://spannerintheworkz.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/an-end-to-tale.html
**http://spannerintheworkz.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/silver-linings-sketch-book.html

An end to the tale...

A quick bit of important news that I neglected to mention until now. On Tuesday 20th of May 2014 I was one of 86 artists who donated an A5 artwork to be auctioned for Musgrove Park Hospital's, Art for Life, 'Art on the Block' fundraising event.

 

In total, the combined artworks raised £7350!

 

 

My block (pictured here) of 'Herman' the chameleon sold for £80.

 

The money will go towards, 'enhancing the patient environment at Musgrove Park Hospital which might be through workshops with patients, improving a neglected area or an artwork that brings a smile to someone’s face.'

 

Those of you following my blog will also know that in addition to our block, Orchard Shopping Centre donated the pigs myself and Michael Fairfax rescued from rotting to be auctioned at the same event. Full details found here: http://spannerintheworkz.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/piggybacking-art-on-block-2014.html.

 

The good news is that instead of being left to rot another day, the pigs made £560. My Pigsaw going for £210 and Michael's Polden Pig going for £340.

 

Thank you to everyone who made a bid and/or bought an art work at the event.

 

A big THANK YOU is also long over due to Marika Sterry Marketing and Events Coordinator of The Orchard Shopping Centre, Tim Martin,  Candice Dean and those who worked at making the project happen in its origins. Thanks as well go to Emma Quick from Art for Life who allowed us to 'Piggy back' onto their event which has ended in the pigs going to good homes and raise money for a fantastic local arts cause!

 

And that, brings an end to our tale.

Piggybacking Art on the Block 2014

Back in January I wrote a post about a block of wood I received in the post

http://spannerintheworkz.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/writers-block.html. The 'block of wood' was actually a blank canvas on which to create something that could be auctioned for 'Art for Life' at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Despite my creative speculation as to alternative uses for said block of wood, I opted for the safer option to use it as intended and commenced by drawing my then recent obsession, a chameleon. Those of you reading this who may be more familiar with my previous work may remember my drawing-a-day project from 2013 that I've since continued this year, anyway, during that time I drew many different things and particularly enjoyed drawing lizards, reptiles and things with textured/interesting skins/surfaces/shapes. Loosely, that's one theory behind my decision to draw a chameleon...or at least I think so. They're pretty cool and this one's called 'Herman' so what's not to like?   

 

 

Link to bid on Lot 18 'Herman' : http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/art-on-the-block-2014/gallery-1/lot-18/

In addition to 'Herman' the chameleon, you could also place a bid on 'Pigsaw' (pictured below) my transformed Orchard Shopping Centre pig seat which is also being auctioned for 'Art for Life'. The former wooden pig seats that resided in Taunton's Orchard Shopping Centre had long been left to rot in storage before the two remaining survivors were given to myself and Michael Fairfax to transform and revitalise (and believe me, they needed it!). Back in 2013 the idea was to auction the pigs after they had gone on tour of Taunton to raise money for The Brewhouse Theatre. The sad twist in the tale, was that the theatre went in to administration during the pig's tour and both 'Pigsaw' and 'The Polden Pig' were rescued but sadly it was too late for the theatre and due to its closure they went back into storage. In search for a happy ending to their tale and to ensure that they fulfilled their purpose to raise money for a local charitable arts cause it was agreed by the artists that the pigs be auctioned for 'Art for Life'.
 

 

Link to bid on Lot 89 'Pigsaw': http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/art-on-the-block-2014/gallery-5/lot-89/

 
There you have it. A pig and a chameleon both in need of good homes. Admittedly, it is amongst my most eclectic of work I have ever made, but hopefully that adds to the appeal. We are very grateful to be allowed the opportunity to 'piggyback' on to the existing 'Art on the Block' event and I'd like to emphasise that there are many more works for auction by over 80 different local artists all in support of what is a very good cause.

If you are interested in bidding then please follow the info below which will direct you to the official Art for Life site:

The auction will take place on Tuesday 20th May 2014 at 6pm - 8pm in the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Visit the online gallery and make pre-bids on your favourite blocks (bidding closes on Tuesday 6th May 2014) or come along to the auction.  Tickets are £8, on sale now from the Art for Life office (artforlife@tst.nhs.uk or tel: 01823 342488), and include wine and canapes.

http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/art-on-the-block-2014/
 

Writer's Block

So it has come to this... Is the beginning of the year really that un-interesting?

'A parcel!'

'I wonder what it could be?'

Thinks: Maybe it's a belated Christmas present? A free DVD? A book? Or no, better yet, an early birthday present!?

Opens.... 

'Uh, yay, it's a block of wood.'

Ok, so maybe I was a little disappointed but only because at the age of 27, I still have child-like, wildly over-the-top and romantic notions of what the post should be (it rarely lives up to this expectation). And whilst at first, it isn't exactly the most inspiring of things to receive in the mail it is indefinitely better than getting bills or bank statements. 

Anyway, it isn't just a block of wood, in actuality...

It's a cheese board for serving stilton, brie, assorted cheddars and biscuits,

It's a potable chopping block for your mobile carrot dicing needs,

It's the infamous karate block of wood that ten-thousand, yes ten-thousand of the best martial artists couldn't chop in half,

It's a step for when you need to be 1cm taller,

It's a pantone test board for 11_0601,

It's a shelf,

An uninspiring book-end,

A unique garden feature,

A prospective home to a wood worm,

A toad's and other small creatures floating transportation device,

It's an imagination enhancer-inator -the essential, must-have toy for next Christmas,

It's a percussion instrument,

It's an ornate piece of firewood,

It's the last thing an ant will ever see,

It's a 'colour-of-milk' testing board,

It's a poem,

It's a weapon in the wrong hands,

It's a poor subsidiary visibility-board so motorists notice you in dark conditions,

It's a tiny seat,

A ready-meal for a beaver,

An ill-formed Frisbee, 

It's something to talk to that's a really good listener,

A Zen-garden for a doll's house,

It's a physical manifestation of silence,

It's a modesty concealer for nudists,

A slate for your minimalist wood cabin,

A sledge for small cats or squirrels,

It's an unsolved Mensa puzzle,

A washboard without ridges,

A squibble-board for the popular sport of Huffle-whack,

A portable roof,

It's a sophisticated counting aid for the representation of one,

It's a life-form from Mars,

It's delicious...(putt) or maybe it isn't,

It's a ramp for ducklings to escape busy roads,

It's an ancient artefact used for mapping snowy tundra,

It's a shadow-spotting reflective plain,

It's a writer's block un-blocker,

...

It's a canvas for creating a unique piece of artwork on that can be sold, with others, at auction raising money for Musgrove Park Hospital, 'Art for Life'.

Oh!  

    That's right! This superbly cut, sanded and  primed A5 block of MDF is a canvas ready for the painting, drawing, collaging or any other media. Once complete, the block is sent back to the 'Art for Life' team where it is photographed and posted online with other artist's blocks (there looks to be about 100-200 artists taking part!). The public can then start biding online in advance prior to the auction which, this year, is going to be held at the hospital on Tuesday 20th May. All proceeds raised go towards supporting, 'Art for Life' which facilitates and provides an access to art in the hospital making a more welcoming, stimulating and supportive environment for visitors, patients and staff. 

Pretty exciting after all. Whilst I still admit to having an initial lack of enthralment at getting what is essentially a block of wood through the door, in reality, the potential of a blank canvas is most interesting and to reiterate, it's the opportunity to create something, small, unique and special that will be both an original piece of artwork for someone to own as well as raising money for an excellent local charitable cause. 

It was my intention to have fun with creating alternative uses for the canvas and I hope I have succeeded in demonstrating some of the delights, absurdity and possibilities that can come from nothing. The challenge now is to turn said block of wood into 'art' (Ho Ho, is that all and you thought the other ideas were wacky). I'm fortunate to have been invited to take part in this for the second time and on a more serious note, the standard is always high and it is a challenge I look forward to embarking on and contributing towards. I have a few ideas already, stay posted as I'll be putting more details of both my block, other artists' blocks and how you can bid on them here on the blog in the near future.

I've until February 21st to complete it so I'd better get going. 

And, well, you know if all else fails the cheese board option would make a pretty good backup! 

http://www.artforlife.nhs.uk/

'Passing Through' - The Musgrove Gallery

I'm currently exhibiting a painting made especially for the exhibition, 'Passing Through' at The Musgrove Gallery. All work is for sale. Please check it out!

'Passing Through'

21st May - 15th July

"As you pass through the Musgrove Gallery does something catch your eye or draw your attention? Do you stop and investigate; look and explore? Are you in a hurry and just 'passing through'?"

"The artists have created works which reflect and express ideas of movement, journeys and transportation to echo the movement through the gallery. Many of the works are long and thin, so you can enjoy them as they form part of your journey as you pass through -they almost travel with you!" 

The Musgrove Gallery, First Floor Queens Building, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. TA15DA

www.artforlife.nhs.uk

 

(above) Natalie Parsley 'A Bicycle for Fernand Leger'

 

"In response to the theme of ‘Passing Through’  I wanted to create a new piece of work that explored creating a static image out of parts of bicycles, wheels and gears/cogs from watches as signifiers for time and movement. The resulting painting is a semi-abstract composition influenced in style by the work of Fernand Leger and inspired by shapes derived from the mechanisms of bicycles and clocks."

 

 

 (above) Louise Baker 'Wagon 4'

 

 (above) Linda Mattock 'Spirit Dance Drawing' (Close up)

 

"Drawing on her previous experiences Linda's work is inspired by observations of people, particularly in movement. Using complex layering of marks to capture the illusive and fleeting moment in time, her work produces semi-abstract images that express the energy, atmosphere, drama or stillness of the experience. Works exhibited include studies of broad choreographed movement, as in the drawings and paintings based on concepts and expression of spiritual dance undertaken in St Paul's Cathedral in collaboration with Ballet Rambert."

(above) John Brooks 'Swing Bridge S2'

"My work as an artist/photographer features the world around us viewed in an alternative way, one that seeks out the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary. Parts of the environment by which we are surrounded are often overlooked despite being plainly within our view."

 (above) Lydia Halcrow 'Living map of the city'

"As we walk through a place we leave behind traces of the paths we have taken, spills of food and drinks on the pavement, traces that erode other marks and leave new ones behind as they overlay with other people's journeys on foot. They hint at how we navigate the city, who was here before us, what route they took. My paintings and drawings use layers and erasure to link to the processes at play in the city, developing over time to create an alternative map of a place based on my experience of walking through it, day after day, collecting traces of what people leave behind."