NSCAD Library Artist's Book Collection

Our group recently visited the library at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to see their collection of artist's books. The NSCAD library has a large collection of artist's books by many local artists dating back to the 1970s when the concept of artist's books was just emerging. The collection includes a wide range of items showing how broadly the category can be interpreted which, of course, led to some great discussion around the long-debated question: What is an artist's book anyway? We had an opportunity to see a variety of chap books, book art objects, art books, exhibition catalogues, moveable books, as well as fine press books and other related items. Of particular interest to us were the two CBBAG collections, the "Millenium in a Box" (2000) and the "Book Arts Mosaic" (2005). The "Millennium in a Box" contains the work of 35 artists from across Canada. Each artist's piece was created as an edition of 50 and then one of each is included in the boxes that are held at libraries across the country. In similar fashion, the "Book Arts Mosaic" box includes twenty-six works by thirty-three artists across Canada. The pieces included in these collections are predominantly book art objects but there are also examples of chap books, collections of prints, handbound journals, etc., and the various items showcase many book art techniques and materials. A range of bookbinding structures can be found here, including this example of a tunnel book by Ann Stinner and an unusal lectern structure made by Karen and Geoffrey Hewett. There is an example of a miniature binding by Robert Wu and a set of prints by the Ottawa Press Gang. Also, an accordion with handmade paper and calligraphy by Cathryn Miller and a pamphlet with hand lettering by Triha Klus. These are obviously just a few of the dozens of items included. If you have an opportunity to examine these collections you will also find examples of scrolls, Japanese bindings, a cuneiform tablet, handmade paper with special watermarks, resin casting, letterpress prints, woodblock prints, shibori, paper marbling, paste papers, lino cut printing, calligraphy, xylography, wax resist, as well as a bit of traditional bookbinding and fine binding. Both collections are featured on the CBBAG website with some additional information about the items as well as lists of the libraries where the collections can be found.

The NSCAD library is open to the public. They will also loan circulating items to anyone with a Halifax Public Library card or anyone who is a student at one of the other local universities. Thank you to Rebecca Young, director of library services, for providing us access to these collections!

Kindred Spirits Bookbinding Exhibit

The Canadian Bookbinder's and Book Artist's Guild (CBBAG) recently launched their newest juried exhibit of handmade books. For this exhibit, all the work is inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the woman and her work, to recognize the 150th anniversary of her birth.

The exhibit opened last month in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, alongside the Montgomery conference and the book launch of a new edition of The Blue Castle. The exhibit in Charlottetown continues until August 23, 2024.

The exhibit includes an impressive array of works by 30 members of CBBAG from all across Canada. Likewise, the exhibit will travel across Canada to be shown at several galleries over the next two years. The current exhibition schedule can be found on their website (www.kindred-spirits-bookarts.com) with additional dates and locations to be added in the future.

The exhibition website also includes photos of each of the books, including two made by NSBAG member Rhonda Miller.

Rhonda's full leather rebinding of her mother's 1956 copy of Anne of Green Gables and an artist's book featuring a quote with original watercolour and ink drawings, each with original marbling and custom enclosures.

From the Kindred Spirits website, you can also download and print pages to make a small booklet inspired by Montgomery's scrapbooks. The downloadable files and instructions are available here. A hands-on session was held when the Charlottetown exhibit began, allowing members of the public to make their own copy of this little booklet and similar sessions will be held at other locations as the exhibit travels across the country. Shown here, Rhonda Miller assists with the booklet-making session in Charlottetown last month. A summary of the exhibition's opening events is available here.