Podcast: Arts and Artists on Bainbridge:
Susan Callan teaches about artist’s books

<i>Podcast: Arts and Artists on Bainbridge:</i> <br>Susan Callan teaches about artist’s books

150px_Arts_and_Artists_onBIArtist’s book teacher Susan Callan talks with BCB host Channie Peters about the skill and craft of creating artist’s books.

Susan Callan with her "Leaves" collection in the form of an accordian-style artist's book
Susan Callan with her “Leaves” collection in the form of an accordian-style artist’s book

Although Susan loves to create artist’s books, her passion is teaching others the basic skills to make their own, and then to watch their individual creativity blossom.

Susan became captivated by this art form at the time of early retirement about 20 years ago, took many classes to learn the craft and refine her skills, and then began teaching locally.

"Cannery Row": A three-dimensional unfolding artist's book by Susan Callan
“Cannery Row”: A three-dimensional unfolding artist’s book by Susan Callan

Her initial teaching was done at a former creativity center on Bainbridge.  More recently, among many other places, she has taught classes at Bainbridge, Poulsbo and Kingston Public Libraries.

She suggests that members of the public who
are interested in book arts classes check with
the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA);
the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN);
or the Seattle Book Arts Guild (SBAG).
All of these groups are now gearing up to teach
book arts classes in the near future.

Susan Callan's work in folded paper suggests the possibilities for artist's books
Susan Callan’s work in folded paper suggests the possibilities for artist’s books

Susan teaches basic skills and techniques, including changing one’s orientation from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional, with technique builders such as origami.

This podcast also includes Susan’s favorite places to see artist’s book collections (including our own Bainbridge Island Museum of Art).

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.