The Book Art Studio Handbook Interview

Amy Lapidow and Stacie Dolin, two enthusiastic bookbinders and artists from Massachusetts, trained at the historic North Bennet Street School in Boston and recently celebrated the publication of their book arts guide, the Book Art Studio Handbook: Techniques and Methods for Binding Books, Creating Albums, Making Boxes and Enclosures, and More (Quarry Books). The book begins with a nicely organized list of the tools and the type of workspace needed to create books by hand, followed by a chapter on basic techniques and definitions, and then a comprehensive guide to studio projects including an accordion album with frame, a sketchbook, slipcases, travel journals, and much, much more. The variety of projects presented, striking photographs, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions make the Book Art Studio Handbook a real treasure for anyone interested in crafting functional, highly aesthetic bound books at home.

We asked Lapidow and Dolin to answer a few questions about their experiences with book arts and writing a guide for the masses. Here's what they had to say:    

How did you first become interested in book arts?
Lapidow: I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in books. My family members are big readers. I do not know why, but I have always wanted to know more about all aspects of the book.

Dolin: I worked for a number of different artists growing up, and I was always drawn to the smaller pieces and tchotchkes that were around their studios. I like the idea of creating those smaller spaces, and I like the idea that you can have this beautiful art object just tucked on your shelf.

Can you describe your own work?
Lapidow: I am interested in studying historic book structures and updating them with modern materials and uses. See the travel journal for example. That is based on the first book found in codex form, the Nag Hammadi.

Dolin: Lately I've been doing a lot of work involving cut-outs in paper and negative space. I also do a lot of textile and fiber craft, and I've been working on integrating some aspects of that into my work.

What inspired you to write the Book Art Studio Handbook?
Lapidow: Actually we answered a call put out by the publisher. Then when we started to plan what we wanted to do in the context of their “Studio Handbook” series. We thought to amass the things we have been teaching.

Dolin: Amy asked me to join her in writing the Book Art Studio Handbook. We've taught together - I believe we have something like 28 years of teaching experience between us - and have worked on curricula development. We have different approaches to many techniques and we tried to cover both sides in the book.

What do you love most about bookbinding and the handmade book?  Why choose book arts over other media? 
Lapidow: I enjoy the doing of it and the problem solving, as each project is different. I like making something out of nothing; the precision of it; and the goal to be as precise as possible. I may not be able draw, paint, throw clay well, or play music, but I can measure. For me bookbinding is art with rules. The parts of a book are relational to each other to make a cohesive whole. It is a medium through which I can express myself.

Dolin: I like the problem-solving aspect of bookbinding. I like thinking about how the book will work and support itself. I also think the book is a little more personal - it's generally viewed by one person at a time. So there is a sense of sharing a secret as each person looks at it! I enjoy the precision in bookbinding as well.

Who are some of your favorite book artists and why?
Lapidow: I admire many people in the book arts. I admire the design binders who make one-of-a kind fine leather bindings with a design that relates to the subject of the book. I also admire those who create new and interesting book structures.

Dolin: Wow, this one is tough. I find I'm drawn to a variety of different styles. I really like books that demonstrate the artist's handskills while exploring unconventional methods.

What key piece of advice do you give those who are just starting out in the art of making books?
Lapidow: Just try it! Don’t worry too much about how it comes out. Everything is a learning experience. So what if it does not come out exactly how you wanted it to? The next one will be better or at least different. Take joy in the process and the learning.

Dolin: Be nice to yourself. Don't be afraid to try everything. Take time to think about things - planning is as much work as the hands-on work.