I first met Coleen Curry when I was studying at the American Academy of Bookbinding and Coleen was assisting the fabulous Don Glaister. It was clear then that Coleen was going to be a wonderful teacher as she gently encouraged us down our own design paths. Coleen will be presenting this year at Bind25 in New Zealand and before she heads over there, she will be teaching 2 workshops on consecutive weekends here in Sydney. The first Leather Dyeing & Surface Techniques During this class we will produce some leather that you may use in the following class, Flexible Leather Binding You are not going to want to miss this opportunity. As usual with our guest teachers I asked Coleen a few questions about her bookbinding.
When did you start bookbinding?
I began bookbinding in 2004.
What training have you had?
I Received Diploma in Fine Binding from American Academy of Bookbinding in 2009 after 5 years of studying under the director Monique Lallier. Individual study with Eleanore Ramsey, Helene Jolis, Sol Rebora, Dominic Riley. Assisted Don Glaister at AAB in fine binding program for 10 years.
Where are you working now?
I work on commissions for clients, as Instructor at AAB. I also Teach workshops at North Bennet Street School, San Fransico Centre for the Book, and Penland School of Craft
What is the best & worst job you have worked on and why?
No real best or worst job as each binding or artist book project is unique. That said, many bindings may pose technical challenges that are super stressful. For example, a commission i worked on during the pandemic became overly time consuming and expensive. Due to simple mistakes in forwarding, I had to disbind (sewn of stubs) a large binding TWICE after having fully covered in leather for simple mistakes made in forwarding. I had to change colour concepts due to the limited supply of leather on hand. I do have favourite bindings, these are ones that come together easily in design, concept and execution.
What aspect of bookbinding do you think you do best?
Introducing the reader to the text/art through my design. Courage to experiment with new techniques and materials.
Who is or was the bookbinder you admire most?
Monique Lallier – her continuous desire to learn new designs and concepts.
What book are you most proud of? (and could you include a picture for us to show in this blog?)
Ce qui aurait pu demeurer silence (pictured) and Eaux Delectables Nuit
Do you have any advice for beginners?
Take time to carefully forward your bindings. A well crafted book will open beautifully and function well making even the simplest designs seem extravagant.
Thank you Coleen, we can’t wait to have you here teaching again this year.