This wonderful short video documents the work of Craig Jensen of Booklab II a limited edition book binding studio in San Marcos, Texas. I share this in part because of a shared love for book binding, but also because I identify with how Craig talks about the process of building a book. Taking book binding in collage helped me to understand that as an artist I love objects, object creation, material, and processes oriented work. This was true of ceramics and printmaking, but came home in bookbinding.
Craig describes it well:
I like the mechanical aspect of the production. I am really interested in designing systems for how to produce the books at the highest quality; and then i am also quite drawn to the manufacturing process. I really enjoy doing that and trying to make something in multiples that is the quantity that might have often been associated with the single.
Making these books may not result in world peace or end terrorism, but it matters to the people that buy it. It’s art, its a beautiful thing. Thank goodness human beings make art.
– Craig Jensen Booklab II
All images © Craig Jensen