“We Right The Book” VI
I was honored to serve as Artist in Residence at Verdugo Hill High School in Tujunga, CA (Los Angeles) for a group of 41 Senior English class Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) students.
Our project , “We Right the Book” was supported by an Artist in Residence grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. I worked with the students on a series of bookmaking projects during weekly workshops held right in the classroom from September – December, 2017.
The students’ completed book works were exhibited at the Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library on December 13, 2017.
Accordion fold books, flag books, tunnel books, scrolls, and side bound books…the results were stunning.
Below is a digital tour through the show.
Each student’s works were displayed together, except the scrolls, which were hung on the walls.
Students created extraordinary Tunnel Books with whimsical, innovative and imaginative use of materials.
They made Flag Books…with “Found” (collected from existing print media) Writing.
and Accordion Fold Books…
with elaborate pop-ups.
The students completed their final projects for the class in their side bound books…the theme: IDENTITY…Who they are…Where they want to go…How they see themselves.
A Junior VAPA English student peruses the side bound books. She looked at each and every one.
I would love to work with her next year!
Fingers Crossed for next year’s Residency!
Thank you, LA DCA.
A fitting conclusion!
Summer dreaming?
Focussed, and private.
She punched out the star shapes from black paper, and glued them on…and it looks like we are seeing through to the night sky…
Beautiful use of framing the marbled paper…
“Winter Wonderland”…no matter that we are in Southern California…imagination rules!
“This is the secret note of encouragement...” what an inspiring proclamation…
parents and grandparents,
Materials for book spines and covers are laid out and ready for the young makers.
Supported by student artist assistants Angelica, Karen, Roxy, Lillian, Kai and Haroutyun, participants got right into the activity, choosing colors, folding accordion spines, adding covers and then…
perhaps the best part, developing their content! Writing, drawing, cutting, gluing, designing
The student assistants supported the young makers with their presence,
interaction, distribution of supplies, and sample making.
Proud bookmakers show off their creations.
What a line-up!
This young artist integrated story and illustrations beautifully, keeping character details consistent.
In this book about striped snakes, the author carefully cut out all the stripes and glued them to the snake characters….a great deal of work and commitment.
The young creator had special support and guidance from student artist assistant Haroutyun, who provided excellent assistance and support.
“Ascend Descend”
“Do The Impossible”
The “ascent” of “Ascend Descend”
FOCUS
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Magnet English teacher Amy Leserman joins in the flag bookmaking.
An industrious maker adds tiny butterflies to the cover of her book.
Choosing a length of cord to enhance book.
Angelica layers materials into her folded page.
We have a wonderful group of boys in the class…talented and detailed makers!
Two girls work together (upper left of image) making the most of materials, space and each other!
Working with letters, and seeing/absorbing their visual quality.
He is able to let others into his world through the book.
Paper world…
Music and butterflies remind this maker of her recently departed mother.
Folding…
and cutting.
Using file cards and stamps.
These friends displayed a great sense of design which
lcan really be seen in these close-ups.
Using washi tape and origami paper.
Beautiful color sense and
use of string.
Layering materials.
Creating together…reveling in paper!
Elegant striking design.
She made it for her daughter.
Intensive work…
With a large turn-out, we had a wonderful time creating together in the Fowler’s beautiful central courtyard!
The lovely and talented Allison, currently interning at The Fowler, supported our workshop!
Our beautiful materials, laid out enticingly, under the tress in the courtyard.
Examples of marbled papers.
Participants digging into the goodies!
This young man resides in London, and was in Los Angeles for business. He said our workshop was the perfect activity for relaxing during his trip!
This young couple, all smiles, did not realize they were working in 
This (obviously!) artist made a unique and very imaginative scroll, including marbled papers that folded out from the structure.
She insisted on gifting the piece to me. I am honored, and will use it as a sample for subsequent workshops. Her painted coveralls were also an inspiration!
A three-generational family group joined us and all the children created
beautiful scrolls, supported by parents and grandparents!
Creating creates joy…
and it is wonderful to have family support.
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