JULIE FARRELL
  • About
  • Events
  • INKLUSION GUIDE
  • substack
  • publications
  • Blog
  • Contact

The Art of a Good Book

9/28/2015

0 Comments

 
PicturePaper Love
Being a bookseller,  I'm fortunate to meet the unique and inspiring individuals who walk through our doors. It's even more fortunate when these people become friends; and all through a shared love of books. Be it the quiet hill-walker who loves MacCaig; the young feminist looking for the next revolution; or the effervescent book artist sharing an exciting new arty adventure: books have made me friends will people from all walks of life.

Said book artist happens to be none other than Edinburgh's very own Rachel Hazell: celebrated creator of luscious, got-to-touch papery things. Not only is Rachel's bubbly personality infectious - her passion for all things books is too. Discovering Rachel Hazell is something akin to discovering buried treasure. She is the mighty spade with which you dig out the glittering trove of ideas you didn't know you had. 

Picture
Just one example of Rachel's crafty creations
Having previously studied English literature at Edinburgh University, followed by Masters in both book art at  London College of the Arts and and printmaking at Edinburgh College of Art, Rachel contributes a vast knowledge and acute understanding of the subject to the process of bookmaking. This, along with her talent and enthusiasm, makes it impossible not to want to join in the fun!
It was at a bookmaking session that Rachel did for the Society of Young Publishers that I truly began to appreciate the work that goes into making a book. From conception to creation,  Rachel nurtured ideas (and encouraged less-than-nimble thumbs) to create little pockets of paper imagination. I learned that silent narrative flows in all forms: from me to the page; pencil to grain; beginning to end; and from producer to reader. The simple act of turning a page tells a story.

The workshop was highly valuable to the budding publishers whom it was held for. Be it editorial, production or design that held their interest, each person found unique insights from the experience of making their own book.
Tools of the trade
Beautiful bindings
Rachel has now transcended the digital barrier to the physical book and runs a popular e-course from her website, so no matter where you are you can enjoy this fascinating process -  straight from the guru herself.
It's no surprise that I work in a bookshop that dedicates it's collection to the aesthetic of the book!  I wish the world were full of people like Rachel Hazell - seeing the book for what it is: a true art form.
Picture
Good books come in all shapes and sizes
If you can't get enough of Rachel's gorgeous work and want to see more, you can follow her on instagram and keep up to date with her goings-on on Twitter.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    More posts coming soon...

    Archives

    January 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© 2021 Julie Farrell
  • About
  • Events
  • INKLUSION GUIDE
  • substack
  • publications
  • Blog
  • Contact