So, firstly: this was really fun!! Big thanks to Andrew for having us. Also thanks to Nell for picking this as a field trip in the first place, since it’s not something I would ever have thought about otherwise. The process of bookmaking is beautiful, and I loved seeing all the different things involved. It’s a lot different from the digital way I usually do things, where my entire “studio” can fit in my backpack, and I can carry 5 years worth of work around with me on my keychain.
There’s something about seeing all those dense metal paper cutters and presses that gives the final works weight. (haha get it? weight? seriously, I do not envy the idea of having to move all that equipment across a country.) The atmosphere of the studio in general helps that as well, with all the drawers full of type and shelves full of books. I loved in particular when I asked Andrew what the smallest book he ever bound was, and he excitedly shuffled through shelves of material before producing out of nowhere a tiny box filled with even tinier books, the smallest of which was only as big as a keyboard key. Apparently to qualify as an official miniature book, you have to be 3 inches or smaller in every dimension, (or at least the first three) so I don’t make the cut. I guess I’m also not a book, but nobody’s perfect.
Anyway, it was an absolute delight to visit Big River Bindery! I’ve done some amateur bookmaking once or twice, maybe I’ll give it a shot again sometime, especially since I’m taking a printmaking class right now.
