Isobel Lewis
Potted Bio: After a lengthy career as a book designer working for various UK publishers I decided it would be fun to make my own books. Having never made an artist book, in 2017, I was lucky enough to be accepted as book artist in residence at Maine media book arts in the USA. It was steep learning curve but I loved it. I now live half way up a mountain in Wales. Since 2017 I have taken various on line and in person workshops. I set up The Kelpie Press named after my Jack Russel terrier – sadly no longer with us. I love typography, colour and unusual structures. You can find my work in private and public collections including The British Library, The Scottish National Gallery and The Bodleain Library.
Fun fact: I have sailed across the Tasman sea in a 41 foot yacht
Where I work: I have a room in our very old and slightly chilly house, there is lots of light and a woodburner for when it gets too chilly..
What sort of things are in your studio waste bin – and is it overflowing? Paper, paper, paper!
Which of your books are you proudest of? The Shipping Forecast
Which book by another artist do you wish you had made or thought of? Kate Bernstein, In One Volume https://www.katebernsteinbookartist.co.uk
Kate Bernstein, In One Volume https://www.katebernsteinbookartist.co.uk
Which books on bookbinding, making, printing etc do you most use and why?
Paper Folding by Kate Colin – I recently discovered paper folding and this is a great introduction
The Art of the Fold by Hedi Kyle – so clever!
Expressive Handmade Books by Alisa Golden – full of structures and ideas
What was your biggest book-making disaster? Light and Shade – beautiful box, disappointing book!! I am planning a new version of the book.
What are you currently working on? A book about medicinal plants with cyanotype illustrations
Do you like to work with music playing? What kind of music works best for you? No – I prefer silence
What is YOUR definition of an artist’s book? So hard to define and maybe it’s best not to! I love seeing where people’s imagination will take them.
What is your favourite book-making tool? What is your craft knife of choice? Bonefolder
If you received an Arts Council grant for £30,000, what would you spend it on? And if it was £500? £30,000 – I would love to take the degree course in books and bindings at West Dean
£500 – a short course at West Dean!
If no-one ever saw them, would you still make books? YES!
What help does your pet provide in the studio (are they allowed in?) Currently there is a vacancy for ‘studio assistant’. Kelpie left some very big paws to replace