In 2004 Peter and Donna Thomas wrote and illustrated "More Making Books by Hand" (Quarry Publishers). It is a wonderful how-to book full of inspiration and ideas for artists' books. It was a best seller for us back when I had my store. They were traveling through town and decided to teach a workshop at the Morgan Conservatory in Cleveland. Even though it was short notice, the class sold out right away and that was where I spent my afternoon and evening, taking a break from packaging.
When I say traveling, the Thomas' travel in style.
They have been living out of their gypsy wagon since spring. They built it and finished it themselves with wonderful details.
The wagon was parked in front of the Morgan and the neighborhood kids were enthralled with it and bestowing all manner of mythical stories to the wagon as they admired it from afar. Finally one of them asked if they could see the inside and when they were told yes, they lined up as if they had been ordered to. Big-eyed and smiling they declared it wonderful. It was.
Peter started the workshop by saying he had been making accordion books for some time and he pulled out one to show us.
Each page has someone playing the accordion. So cool.
As we worked, Peter would serenade us with bookmaking folk songs. It was good fun. Of course it was also a great time because I was sitting in between my friends Kathy Herda and Opie O'Brien. It was a great group of people in the class and Peter and Donna were so interesting.
Oh, and we made an accordion book, much smaller than Peter's version and this cute little roll book.
Wonderful. I am full of laughter as I look at that wagon - it's delightful!
Posted by: Judi | Wednesday, 04 August 2010 at 11:48 PM
How magical. And that accordian book is so clever. Must have really been a good day.
Posted by: Seth | Thursday, 05 August 2010 at 09:34 AM
I think I should stay home during the summers because there seems to be a whole lot I'm missing!
Posted by: andrea | Friday, 06 August 2010 at 07:33 AM
Nice blog....interesting post. It reminds me of another artist that lives in a gypsy wagon.....check her out...she is amazing!
http://www.intothehermitage.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Bailey Zimmerman | Sunday, 08 August 2010 at 02:49 PM