1. What is your role at Austin Book Arts Center?
I teach a class on Paper Circuits, where we add lights and interactivity to handmade books using electronics techniques adapted to work especially well with papercraft.
2. What is a special memory of teaching at Austin Book Arts Center?
I love how welcoming and friendly the culture of ABAC is. One lovely moment from a class was when we paused for lunch and realized that one student had forgotten to bring something to eat (this was at the old ABAC location that didn’t have many food options nearby), so everyone else decided to pool theirs and turn our lunch break into an impromptu potluck. Then we all sat down and chatted about everything from bread baking to books. These are the kind of people it is wonderful to make things alongside.
3. What distinguishes book arts from other art forms?
There are exceptions to any definition of what is a book (or what is art!) but I personally enjoy the sense of sequence and flow that is built into experiencing an artist book. As someone who remembers being told off as a child in museums for getting too close to the art, I also rather like the idea that to really experience an artist book, you need to be able to touch it. Finally, I think that book arts are something you can pick up and enjoy at many different levels, and the distinction between “art” and “craft” feels more blended to me than with some other art forms.
4. What is your background?
I would say I’m a lifelong maker and crafter. I love beautiful materials and making things with my hands, but I also really enjoy some of the things you can do with computers and electronics, so I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting in the space between the two. My formal studies were in computer science and new media.
5. What drew you to study book arts?
I’m not sure I can explain why I think books are so magical, but I’ve always loved being around them. When I was a kid I loved making origami books, the tinier the better. My first job in college was in special collections at my university’s library, and I still remember the day I first discovered the artist books section. And I keep discovering new and interesting things that fall under book arts.There are people who specifically make and collect miniature books! This is amazing and delightful. And zines are wonderful, and also technically books! So I suppose it just continues to draw me in.
6. What are you working on now?
I’m working on a level two version of the Paper Circuits class, and a possible new class about designing custom patterns for stab bound books.