The art of making books
Experimental artists' books inspired by nature
The aim of this course is to explore the potential of artists’ books: experimenting with sculptural book structures that use printed matter from nature as a starting point to create vibrant and textural printed artworks.
We will start by creating an array of 2D surface prints using monoprinting and simple relief printing techniques. Participants will explore composition, layering and colour using both low-tech and professional equipment to enable you to continue printing at home.
Using these prints, we will create 3D artists’ books developing a repertoire of book structures. We will consider elements such as sequencing, tactility, visual narratives, scale, negative space and interplay between form and content.
For the rest of the week, participants will focus on developing their own projects – as well as some collaborative pieces. The morning sessions will focus on developing bookbinding skills and techniques with a series of demonstrations and discussions. Afternoons will be more self-directed with one-to-one tutorials with Éilís.
This course will help to demystify the bookmaking process enabling you to create one-of-a-kind artists’ books.
Tutor bio
Éilís Murphy is a visual artist who draws inspiration from forgotten or lost knowledge; interspecies communication and language; hidden narratives and memory. Artist’s books are her principal medium. Through them, she brings together diverse elements such as print, collage and participatory events, weaving multiple strands together.The beauty of bookbinding for Éilís is that she can use traditional techniques that remain unchanged for centuries, while combining them with a contemporary design and her own artistic innovation. She is a member of the Society of Bookbinders (UK), the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, the Graphic Studio Dublin and Visual Artists’ Ireland.
Éilís has received multiple awards including a Visual Arts Bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland in 2022, the RDS Craft Award in 2020, and several Mayo and Clare County Council artist bursaries.
