Art 446: The Printed Book
San Diego State University
FALL 2015 Schedule #31958
Prereq: Art 346 or Art 410 or consent of instructor
Michele Burgess
mburgess@mail.sdsu.edu
9-11:40 MW. Office (461A) by appointment
The book is all things to all people: a means of discovering reality, or escaping from it, a tool, a mirror,
an eyewitness.
—Herman Liebaers, The Book through Five Thousand Years
It was when the trees were leafless first in November
And their blackness became apparent, that one first
Knew the eccentric to be the base of design.
—Wallace Stevens (poet)
In planning a book or an escape, one needs to know what to exclude.
—Michael Ondaatje
Who but an artist fierce to know—not fierce to seem to know—would suppose that a live image
possessed a secret?
—Annie Dillard
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Creative research focused on concept, context, and form as they relate to communication and
personal or collaborative expression within the context of the book. Maximum credit six units.
Learning Outcomes:
The course will begin with instruction in letterpress printing. You will be expected to hand set
and print a small piece of text. You will then be expected to use what you learn to create two
editions of hand printed books. The first one will start with a simple creative text for which you
will make accompanying woodcuts. The type will be hand set and printed letterpress and the
book will be bound in an edition size of at least 2 copies.
This book will prepare you for the major project of the semester, which will be created as an
edition of 4 copies, printed and bound by hand, exploring one theme in depth while
incorporating techniques that can be used to make same or similar multiple copies. One copy of
this book will be given to the Love Library Special Collections and one to the class archives.
There will be exercises and discussions about the creative process and the processes used in
conceptualizing and transforming ideas into “paginated” visual art forms and you will be
expected to demonstrate the ability to do that in your finished works.
For the imagery, media and techniques of choice may include but are not limited to those used
in hand binding, printmaking, painting, digital art and other computer generated imagery,
letterpress, creative writing, metals, photography, wood and furniture techniques, ceramics and
clay, drawing, sculpture, fibers. However, techniques of choice must be adapted to edition
standards.
Students will receive introductory instruction in letterpress printing with both moveable type
and photopolymer digital plates. Woodcut and drypoint printmaking techniques will also be
covered.
Bookbinding structures taught in the class will include a Long Stitch Harcover, and a Quarter
Leather binding with raised cords. You will be expected to demonstrate those skills in a finished
prototype of each one.
Expectations & Grading
Each project includes:
1. Preparatory materials, which will be graded and may include: (25%of final grade)
Research and reading exercises
Brainstorming notes
Page spread studies & mockup bindings
Critiques
Progress reports
2. The final book for each assignment will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (75%
of final grade)
Pagination/ flow
Image making and composition
Craftsmanship
Development of content
Integration of theme with structure and materials
The final grade will be determined as follows:
10% Broadside
30% Book #1
50% Book #2
10% Binding prototypes
Attendance to each class session is expected. If you miss any information, assignments, or
demonstrations, it is your responsibility to get it from someone else in the class, rather than
emailing me. Please make sure you have contact information for at least one person. Your
record of class attendance will affect your grade in a substantial way.
Cell phones must be turned off during class, even while you are working alone.
There will be many impromptu suggestions and comments. No earphones or plugs, please. No
texting or email interception during class. Pretend that you’re on a plane, about to take
off…
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this
class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473.
To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student
Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not
retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have
received an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is
appreciated.
MATERIALS for Art of the Book 2
Power Grip woodcut tools
dilegno Woodshop Supply contactus@dilegnosupply.com
3 Power Grip carving tools: #12824, 12825, and 12810.
Birch plywood or basswood blocks, any size
Lineco neutral ph adhesive (you WILL need more later)
Snap-off style knife
Bookbinder’s needles
Bookbinder’s awl
Linen thread
Drafting or artist’s tape
Bone folder
12” triangle with flat edge
Flat 1” brush
Small metal triangle
Metal pica ruler
4-5 sheets of Japanese mulberry paper, or Ingres paper
10 or more sheets of printmaking paper for edition printing
3-6” cloth paint roller (available at hardware or paint stores) or black foam roller
Binding cloth, as needed
Newsprint pad 18” x 24”
Sketchbook (can be one you're currently using)
Drawing tools
Flat palette, palette paper, or glue tray
24” or longer ruler with beveled edge for tearing paper
methyl cellulose for paste paint
acrylic or watercolor paints for paste paint
Scissors
Small stapler
Rubber gloves for cleaning presses and mixing inks
At least 4 sheets of acid free illustration, archival matt board, Lettramax board or binder’s
board for binding
Printmaking tools, as needed, for chosen technique
Photopolymer plates, as needed, for letterpress text
Film negatives as needed
Plexiglass plates, as needed for monoprints
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS WILL BE REQUIRED BUT WILL VARY FOR INDIVIDUAL
PROJECTS. Expect to spend about $200.00 or more on paper and supplies over the semester
depending on which materials you choose to work with. All papers must be acid-free.