Inspired by the works on view in Living Proof: Drawing in 19th-Century Japan and Rough Cut: Independent Japanese Animation, two workshops will explore traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary practices in bookmaking. Sessions will be led by artist Gina Alvarez, Executive Director of Living Arts Studio with VSA Missouri, and artist Eileen Wallace, Lecturer in Printmaking and Book Arts at the University of Georgia.
Morning Workshop with Gina Alvarez; 10am–1pm
Together, workshop participants will transform single sheets of paper into one-of-a-kind books that are both collaborative and individual in their expression. In this experimental workshop, each participant will create two books that explore different concepts from the exhibitions such as preparatory drawings, mark-making, paper folding, paper cutting, and binding.
Presentation of Rare Books; 1pm
Enjoy a presentation on rare artist books and manuscripts that exemplify techniques used in the two workshops by the East Asian Library and Department of Special Collections at the Libraries of Washington University in St. Louis. Visitors will be able to view and engage with selected works, offering additional insight into bookmaking and binding processes. This display will be on view for the entire day.
Afternoon Workshop with Eileen Wallace; 2–5pm
This workshop explores traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques using the Noble, Tortoise Hair, and Hemp Leaf stitches. Participants will leave knowing how to make books with each stitch.
