MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

In this introductory workshop participants will learn about the fundamentals of bookbinding by making handmade books that they get to take home.

We will begin with a group reading of different books to understand the relationship between concept and craftsmanship in a book. In this process, participants will be introduced to basic materials, techniques, and terminologies used in bookbinding. Participants will then proceed to make 3 structures that they get to take home: an accordion binding, a saddle stitch binding, and a Japanese stab binding.

Level: This workshop is appropriate for participants of all levels from age 13 onwards.

Duration: Half a day (4 hours)

Max. no of participants: 12

Instructor: Aishwarya Arumbakkam

SUPPLY LIST (Provided by CPB Foundation)

1. Sharp pencil with eraser

2. Metal ruler, 12” minimum length

3. Self-healing cutting mat or several layers of cardboard to protect table surface

4. Bookbinding or PVA glue

5. Glue stick

6. Brush

7. Washi tape

8. Awl

9. Bone folder

10. Paper cutter or x-acto knife

11. Needle

12. Bookbinding thread

13. Beeswax

14. Card stock paper, handmade paper (for cover)

15. 60-90 gsm paper in multiple colors (for signatures)

16. Newspaper

MEET OUR MENTOR

Aishwarya Arumbakkam is a visual artist who works across photography, filmmaking, and drawing.

Arumbakkam was honored as one of the ‘Ones to Watch’ by the British Journal of Photography in 2019. In 2020, she was awarded the Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellowship. Her work has been exhibited at Testsite, Austin (2023); The South London Gallery (2022); The Visual Arts Center, Austin (2022, 2020); and Ishara Art Foundation, Dubai (2021).