ART 398 - Artist’s Books Meaning and Form

In this mixed-media course, students will explore the book as an art form—rooted in concept and context and constructed through sequencing and craftsmanship. Beginning with an introduction to bookbinding techniques including pop-ups, students will investigate and produce several sample model structures. As students gain knowledge of various approaches integrating materials and form, they will progress to independent projects crafting unique books—as an expanded stage for ideas. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize meaning and form by experimenting with altered books, sculptural approaches, more traditional bookbinding applications, and identifying preferred art materials/techniques of choice while diving deeply into what is important to them, whether it be social justice issues or personal themes. We will access Wheaton’s own collection of artist’s books in the Permanent Collection and the Gebbie Archives SMART collection to inspire and enrich a discourse about the historical and contemporary world of book arts. An emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking will be valuable for both visual art and design majors.

Credits 4

Notes
From time to time, departments design a new course to be offered either on a one-time basis or an experimental basis before deciding whether to make it a regular part of the curriculum. First offered Spring 2025.

Compass Attributes
Creative Arts