Bookbinding or Japanese Woodblock Printmaking? / by Iris Cutler

Which would you like to take?

EMW is bringing in friend and artist Kevin Frances to lead a beginner's workshop on December 20th. Problem is, he's got too many talents and has offered to teach bookbinding or Japanese woodblock printmaking. To vote, take the survey on our newsletter or email us at emwbookstore@gmail.com with your vote in the title!

Here's more info about your options:

Bookbinding An introduction to book binding, three different book styles will be taught; accordion book, pamphlet stitch, and Japanese "stab" binding. Book contents are your choice, blank books for sketching or journaling, or bind your own writing, photos, drawings or comics.

Materials cost: $10-15/person, plus maybe some studio supplies, cutting matts, scissors, etc.

Japanese Woodblock Printmaking

In this class students will learn how to carve a woodblock using hand tools, and print it in the Japanese technique. This process uses water based inks, and does not require a press. This technique is well suited to the individualist; it is decidedly low tech, students will be given all the tools needed to make prints in a home studio. While traditional processes will be taught, the medium is very elastic, marks on wood will leave traces on paper, through the process of making prints, each student will develop their personal technique.

Materials cost: about $35 /person, and maybe $50 of studio supplies for the class.

Who's this Kevin Frances guy? Kevin Frances is an artist who lives and works in Boston, MA. He received his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2013, and his BA from the University of California, Davis in 2010. In 2012 he was a participant at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. His work has been show at the International Print Center New York, David Krut Projects in New York, the Kala Gallery in Berkeley, CA, and the Highpoint Center for Printmaking in Minneapolis. He has taught classes and workshops at the Rhode Island School of Design, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, and Anna Maria College.

Let us know what you'd like to see, and we'll make it happen!

With love, EMW