Introducing…Book Arts Improv!
In thinking about the coming year, I was reminded of how January can really be a drag – it’s after the holidays, people hibernate, and there’s generally not a lot going on.
I have a tendency to slip into a post-holiday coma and this really interferes with my motivation to get into the studio. I need something to get me excited.
When I was in college, one of my favorite things to do was to attend late-night improvisational comedy shows given by Without a Net. They had a repertoire of sketches where they took suggestions from the audience to drive the content.
Thus, the Book Arts Improv (a.k.a. I Like to Amuse Myself) was born.
Starting next week, I will enter into a four-week stretch of improvisational bookmaking. Depending on the content and complexity of the book, an edition of three or more will be created each week.
Here’s how it will work:
- Sunday: I’ll post a call for specific suggestions that will be incorporated into a handmade book.
- Tuesday: One entry will be selected at random. Not only will that person’s suggestions be used, but the winner will also receive a copy of the book.
- Wednesday: Worktable Wednesday will be used to show the progress of the book.
- Saturday: The book will be unveiled.
In addition to there being a winner each week, there will also be a winner at the end of the Book Arts Improv event. Everyone who has posted suggestions for each week will be entered into a drawing (one entry per person, per week). If you have participated in the Improv for more than one week, each week’s post will count as one entry. The winner of the final drawing will win a copy of each of the four books created.
Have a great New Year’s and I’ll see you at the Improv!
Updated 1/31/11:
The completed books:
11 Responses to “Introducing…Book Arts Improv!”
Let me know what you think!
Connect
Get updates
Email list
Search
Tags
Archive
Recent Comments
- Amy commented on Vermont Open Studio Weekend – Montpelier/Calais Artists
- Elissa commented on Letterpress Fail
- Elissa commented on Book Artist Cadette badge
- Elissa commented on Worktable Wednesday
- Kris commented on Worktable Wednesday
Book Arts Rock Stars
- Bathtub Dreamer
- Bea Nettles
- Cai Lun
- Campbell Raw Press
- Carol Barton/Popular Kinetics
- Green Chair Press
- Green Trike Press
- Hilke Kurzke
- Jeff Peachey
- Judith Hoffman
- Karleigh Jae
- Kreativling
- Kristin Crane
- Leah Virsik
- Monica Holtsclaw
- Moon Bindery
- My Handbound Books
- Pam Sussman
- Paper Chipmunk
- Paper Dragon Books
- Paperama
- Paperiaarre
- Papieren Avonturen
- Parkside Harmony
- Peter Zillig
- Prairie Peasant
- Rag and Bone Bindery
- Simon Goode
- Sue Bleiweiss
- Todd Sanders
- Tulibri
- Windy Weather Bindery
Is this open to family?!
Yep, but don’t think for a second that it gives you better odds.
Elissa
I love this! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!
Erica -
Be afraid. Very afraid.
Elissa
What a great idea for spurring creativity. I’ll be eagerly watching to see how it all shakes out!
Cathy -
I just posted my first call for suggestions – you can influence the shakes!
Elissa
what an amazing idea for the endless tundra of january. great idea and i hope to be inspired by you as well. and a happy new year to you, elissa.
Velma -
Happy new year to you too!
If the Improv is a success, I plan to make it an annual event. It depends a lot on audience participation. We’ll see…
Elissa
How about incorporating something from a comic book?
Tammy -
I just posted my first call for suggestions – feel free to offer up something comic book-inspired.
Elissa
I love Velma’s “endless tundra of January” – how different it is here in the Southern Hemisphere. Seems more like endless summer, so hot and sticky. Elissa, this is a brilliant idea and will be great fun to watch your progress. You really are a dynamo. Happy New Year!