Dear Everyone ~
Bookful of Accordion Art concluded last Saturday. Cat Bennett, my creative collaborator, and I are so pleased by the camaraderie and our students’ enthusiasm for the progression of lessons. And we continue to rejoice in the marvel of Zoom, which allows us to convene as a group. As we all undergo our first shelter-season winter, many students commented on the joys and solace both of connecting with nature and with documenting objects in their home.
I have received many lovely emails from students, and have selected bits from a handful of them that are particularly touching to me, as students describe what the workshop sessions represented to them.
Olwyn, who mentioned that her honey describes her as a sociable hermit, had this to say about her Zooming with us:
“ Because of this class, I feel much braver, as if I’ve really taken on a new kind of ownership of my creative life. It’s a challenge to balance my love of detail with the fact of a clumsy hand, and Cat’s approach is so very helpful. I think the world of mark-making is beginning to open a bit to me, and I’m thrilled—timid but thrilled. And thank you for such a kindly experience on Zoom. ”
Cindy, whose private Case-binding workshop via Zoom had emboldened her, wrote:
“ You and Cat curated a unique experience, allowing us to move between building and learning and creating, in the span of each class session. I had so many 'ah-ha' moments as I listened to you and Cat—as well the other attendees—speak to different perspectives on tweaking what we were learning. I feel I am equipped with enough ideas to keep me ‘creative’ busy for a few months—or at least until the new class in April! ”
Lesley and her husband have taken their young son for a duck-pond promenade every day during the many months of shelter season, so the nature-walk collecting was so close to her heart. She wrote:
“ It was wonderful to share a love of creating books and then make art—a perfect marriage. Usually a class is just making one or the other. There has been something so satisfying in creating something from beginning to end. I was worried that I would have trouble making a book without being in a physical classroom. That was not the case, and having the videos to refer back to has been wonderful. Yes, I have made another book using supplies on hand:-) not as perfect but has its own charm. ”
Melanie, who recently made me a tiny loopy-link-stitch book as her tribute to learning how to make books, enthused:
“ The Accordion Bookful of Art class has been just what I’ve needed lately. It is such a peaceful welcoming place. I can just be. I absolutely love the book design and cannot wait to make more! Enveloping the papers to make the covers is ingenious, truly simply beautiful. And Cat’s painting instructions are soothing and meditative. You two make such a lovely team. ”
Karen, as it happens, had worked with Cat eons ago, but only via phone. Now, they have “met” face-to-face via Zoom, during the first Bookful of Art workshop series. Karen wrote:
“ I loved mixing the more structured and tactile bookbinding with the more free drawing practice and studies.The combined activities became circular—now I have all sorts of ideas for different book covers, page edges, and spines, because the one practice informs the other. Zoom was enjoyable because of the immediacy of everything. It was fun to see everyone and their work. Now I'm anxious to finish up my books and start more! ”
Tess, who walks every day near her home in rural New Hampshire, reflected:
“ I appreciated the emphasis on honoring the student—assuming that everyone would be successful while at the same time providing specific teaching in drawing and watercolours. It was really interesting to consider how to represent the beauty of winter, not a season we often think of as full of plant life! Cat's lessons could be accessed by a wide range of learners, from beginning artists to those more advanced in their craft. Bari's attention to detail allows the completed books to be works of art in themselves. ”
Heather teaches handwork—knitting, sewing, and fiber arts—at the Urban Prairie Waldorf School in Chicago. Every word of her brief note, barely longer than a haiku, filled me with joy:
“ Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to look for beauty and wonder and find camaraderie in these crazy times. It’s a lifeline. ”
Zooming toward spring, Bari