An artist's book is an artwork you hold. It unfolds in time, page by page, which makes it closer to film or music than to a framed print. And it can be made at a kitchen table.
Three structures to learn first
Pamphlet stitch
Fold a stack of sheets in half to make a signature. Punch three holes along the fold, then sew in through the center, out the top, back through the center (skipping it on the inside), out the bottom and back in through the center. Tie off around the long stitch. You have a book.
Accordion
Fold a long strip of paper back and forth in even panels. It can be read page by page or stretched out into a single panorama, which is perfect for landscapes, timelines and walks.
Japanese stab binding
Single sheets stacked between covers, with holes punched through the whole block and sewn in a decorative pattern along the spine. It suits prints and photographs, because nothing has to be folded.
Tools
- Bone folder for crisp creases
- Awl for punching sewing stations
- Bookbinding needles and waxed linen thread
- Metal ruler, cutting mat and a sharp knife
- PVA glue and a flat brush for covers
Thinking like a book artist
Ask what the turn of the page does. Can the next spread reveal, reverse or interrupt what came before? Does the structure echo the content? An accordion for a journey, a tunnel book for a view, a box of loose cards for a story without a fixed order. The classic reference shelf for this includes Shereen LaPlantz's Cover to Cover, Keith Smith's Non-Adhesive Binding series and Alisa Golden's books on handmade structures.
For content, pair a binding with prints from our printmaking guide, or with the stitched pages described in Stitches and Folds.
Questions
What is an artist's book?
A work of art that takes the form of a book, or explores what a book can be. It may be one of a kind or an edition, and can be anything from a stapled zine to a sculptural object.
What's the easiest binding for beginners?
The three-hole pamphlet stitch: one folded signature, a needle and thread. An accordion fold is easier still, as it needs no sewing at all.