About
Studio artist with a fascination for the many forms of the book. After eight years in beautiful Frankfort, Michigan, I have returned to my home state of New Hampshire. I work in my studio, manufacture a small line of hand tools for bookbinders and craftspeople and travel throughout the U.S. and occasionally abroad teaching book and toolmaking workshops.
Journaling : I have kept a journal since childhood and was frequently discouraged using machine-made books: They would inevitably fall apart before I was done filling them. Making a sturdy journal that would survive the tough love of regular use was my first book-making challenge. I made and filled many while learning about structural and historical aspects of book making. Built like bunkers, they are overstuffed and mistreated, but all remained intact! I incorporate historical techniques and materials in my work, while bringing in my own love of tinkering and finding different ways to expand on the book as an object.
Toolmaking: While working on books, I found myself needing simple but special tools to carry out the work on leather, wood, and bone. That set me on the road to making folders, awls, punches, and hooks. It is satisfying to me to see others making skillful use of the tools I have made. Tool making itself satisfies a need I have to keep my hands moving. I like the focus it provides.
One-of-a-kind: The thrill of working, for me, is the process of discovery and problem solving that comes with making something for the first time.
Small: My preferred scale. Quite often the work ends up being bite-sized; I like it when a piece will fit into the coin pocket of my jeans. However impractical, this is the size I keep coming back to.
Metal: The versatility and workability of metal is irresistible to me. I like that it is malleable, adaptable, and can be formed into tools, clasps, book pages.
Bone: Dense, white, and lustrous, elk bone takes carving and finishing well. There are many ways I use for elk bone in my work: It is carved to become tiny book covers, turned into pegs to hold a book closed, and shaped into tools for working paper and leather.
Labor: The longer it takes, the better. The more and different types of materials and tools I can use, the better.
