May 12 & 13 Avril Makula EXPERIMENTAL SCULPTURAL BOOK
Avril Makula
Experimental / Sculptural
Bookmaking beyond the codex
Firestation Print Studio
Friday 12 May - 10 to 4 / Saturday 13 May • 10 to 4
Many artists are familiar with bookmaking, primarily the codex form. However, the world of books is vast and varied, embracing a cornucopia of experimental and sculptural book structures. In this workshop we will focus on non-codex structures, employing paperfolding techniques to produce books that present work in new ways and are works of art in themselves. We will play with structures like the flower fold, Turkish map fold, flag books, some of the many and varied permutations of the humble concertina, and more. It’s a great opportunity to inject life into offcuts, test prints, or prints you might not want to include in editions or bound portfolios. Of course you can create imagery especially, or use paper from other sources, but the beauty of experimental and sculptural books is the freedom to create in a different way.
ABOUT Avril Makula
From a very young age Avril Makula spurned toys for christmas in favour of books and records, so it should be no surprise that books and music would influence her career.
She attained a visual arts degree at Alexander Mackie, but then, in an attempt to incorporate words and typography into her practice, carved out a career as a graphic designer specialising in books. This was satisfying to some degree, but she still kept wondering what she would do when she grew up. Then quite recently it dawned on her that she could do whatever she wanted. That realisation coincided with being introduced to the concept of artist’s books, and she now wonders how it took her so long.
Avril works with typography, the alphabet, numbers, music, colour, design, structure and order. She combines these themes with her love of print and printmaking and employs the disciplines of traditional bookbinding techniques to create books that are not necessarily traditional.
Avril lives and works in Sydney, but wishes someone would invent a machine that would allow her to simultaneously live in Chicago, New York, Kauai and rural New South Wales, all without leaving home.
