This two-day workshop combines publication development, drawing monotype, and basic bookbinding techniques, allowing each participant to develop and produce their own small publication.
We will begin by working with the idea and structure of a publication. Through a series of exercises, participants will develop their own concept. The process will include individual work, feedback, and group discussion.
The workshop also introduces drawing monotype as a tool for generating images and developing a publication. Participants will experiment with the technique and use the resulting prints as part of their own book.
The second day will focus on book structure and binding. We will learn the fundamentals of book construction and explore two glue-free binding techniques: Japanese binding and signature binding. We will look at different materials, how to choose and handle them, and how a basic book structure can be adapted and transformed to support an individual artistic idea.
The workshop is taught in English.
Day 1
An exercise led by Katya Lesiv on developing an idea for a publication. Each participant will develop their own publication concept.
Introduction to drawing monotype and its possibilities as a tool for developing an artist book.
Preparing the printed sheets and materials for binding. The prints will be left to dry overnight.
Day 2
Introduction to the basic structures and principles of book construction and bookbinding.
Overview of bookbinding materials: how to choose them and the basic principles of working with them.
Learning two glue-free binding techniques: Japanese binding and signature binding.
Applying the techniques to bind each participant’s own publication.
Exploring how a basic book structure can be modified and adapted to support an individual artistic idea.
Group discussion and reflection on the completed publications.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have developed an individual publication idea and produced a small handmade artist book. Participants will learn the basics of bookmaking and bookbinding and gain practical techniques that can be easily continued independently after the workshop, without the need for specialised equipment.
The workshop will provide paper and basic bookbinding materials. Participants are also welcome to bring their own preferred papers, books, photographs, prints, or other materials that they would like to reuse or incorporate into their publication.
Katya Lesiv is a visual artist and book designer based in Helsinki. Her practice moves between photography, artist books, installation, objects, and text. Lesiv’s work has been exhibited internationally, including in a collateral event of the 61st Venice Biennale and the 18th Lyon Biennale. Her photobook Lullaby 1 was included in the Top 100 photobooks of How We See: Photobooks by Women(10×10 Photobooks), while I love you was shortlisted for the Aperture PhotoBook Awards in 2022.
Register by adding the workshop to your shopping cart.
Registration is binding.
The workshop will take place if there are at least four participants.
You will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the workshop.
If you cancel less than 14 days before the workshop, you will receive a 50% refund of the workshop fee.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer, you will receive a full refund. This also applies if the workshop has to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as illness of the instructor or an insufficient number of participants.
To receive a refund, please send your bank details (IBAN and full name) to the association’s treasurer at info@pimiotaiteilijat.fi.
Teaching is at the Finnish Darkroom Association’s darkroom Mörk, Nilsiänkatu 11–13F, 00510 Helsinki. You get in from the Nokiantie side, 3rd floor.
Information about the workshop Katya Lesiv, katya.lesiv5@gmail.com, @katya.lesiv
Information about paying and signing up: info@pimiotaiteilijat.fi
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