Gone is Gone

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Katharine

It has been a long time since I posted on this blog, so here is a brief update. I am no longer designing and creating vestments or wearable art, and I have not recently displayed or sold my work. This has been largely because I have stepped back from many parts of my life as I explore how living has changed for me after my transplant and the complications which followed it.

Since my surgeries, we also moved house, and I am still getting my studio organized because the kitchen, living areas, and home repairs took priority after the move. Unpacking and sorting my supplies, I have come across unfinished projects which I cannot resist working on. I also find supplies I had collected for specific purposes, and that leads to more distraction from the organizational task at hand, as I find myself beginning new projects.

We are living through unsettling times. I am grateful to be well during the pandemic, especially since I am in a high risk group. The drugs which necessarily suppress my immune system make it hard for me to fight off infection. Long before citizens were asked to isolate themselves, I was used to avoiding crowds. Being at home also suits the introspective part of my nature.

Sequestering myself during this pandemic is providing me a sabbatical of sorts: space to think, rest, and create. Of course there are worries and anxiety, but I have to let them go ~ through reading, writing, going for walks outdoors, being in touch with family and friends via emails, texts and video chats. Soon I will be able to work in my gardens. Another important way I remain sane, stay in touch with myself, and feel productive is to work in my studio. There are stories which must be told.

The past couple of days I have been working on an altered book which I began before the move. The photo below is from a section of the book entitled “Shadows of the Past,” and this particular spread is called “Gone is Gone.” The book has many tucked-away places for writing, and envelopes for enclosing small objects.

Book of Shadows, "Gone is Gone"

There are empty pages in the book waiting for images and interactive fun, and I am bursting with ideas. Now I have the time to work on it.

Here’s hoping we all remain healthy, and create ways to find some peace and balance in our lives.

Books made of pockets!

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Katharine

My studio is in major disarray from my years “away.” In the process of re-organizing it I’ve been discovering work that I did in the past. Today it’s these tiny books made of pockets. In these two small handmade books, each page is a pocket containing a tag. Each decorative tag has space for your writing.

On the left is a book made of maps of Columbia County, NY, and photos from Chatham, NY. There is a metal compass ornament on the front, and a tiny metal clocktower hangs near the top of the spine. Each pocket features different towns and villages in the County. Colorful glass beads decorate the cord that fastens the book shut. The book on the right has a floral motif, and is fastened with a ribbon and vintage button. The Columbia County book has twelve pockets and is 4.5″ X 3.25″ x .5″.The floral book has seven pockets and is 4.75 x 3.25 x .75″.

Two handmade books of pockets, and a handmade box.

Below is the book with map pockets,

Columbia County book of pockets.

And here is the floral book of pockets.

Floral-themed book of pockets.

More “finds” to follow.

The Grandmothers!

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Katharine

My previous post included a photo of the cover of one of my altered books. The pages above are from that book.

Grandmothers! I am rich in grandmothers, as are we all. In the photo above, the baby is my Grandmother; her mother, my Great-Grandmother, is standing; the woman holding my Grandma is my Great-Great-Grandmother, and the impressive woman seated on the right is my Great-Great-Great Grandmother. The only one I ever knew personally was my Grandmother (the baby.) She was a fiery red-head, full of energy and fun. She graduated from Vassar back in the day, and was courted by my Grandfather, who was a student at Harvard. Quite a match!

These strong women were the living “doorways” to my life, so I included them on the free front end-paper of my book.

Visit again for more altered book adventures!

Renewal!

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Katharine

There is a new Spring in my step. I have been given a new lease on life, and with that comes my desire to reawaken this site and share some of my more recent creations.

More to follow!

An altered book in progress.

Earth Pages ~ Altered Book

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Katharine

Back in March, I promised to send photos of the altered book I started months ago.

Earth, Water, Fire and Air ~ what you see below are the Earth pages. The book is made from an altered child’s board book, with stamping, collage, painting, chalk, and more. The tabs on the right are part of the original board book; they’ve been perfect for labeling each page. The photo of St. Francis was taken in the garden of a place I stayed near Asheville, NC.

The Water, Fire and Air pages are almost complete, so eventually you’ll find those here as well. In the meantime, backed-up custom orders absorb my time.

If you have made altered books, please leave a comment with a link. I’d like to see your work!

A sneak peek at a book

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Katharine

While working on a tunic, the Temple of the Cosmos, and planning for a chasuble and preaching stole, I have been sneaking moments here and there to work on a book I’m creating.

Above is the beginning of the “Earth” page. It is made from a repurposed children’s board book, assembled with a collage of maps, a salvaged library pocket, paper napkins, ink-jet images, stamps (rubber and postage), and more. The page is not done yet, so watch for another post – I cannot guarantee when that day will come. It’s a busy time in the studio!

And for fun: