Amy Sterly
Potted Bio: I am an artist originally from Chicago but moved to Wales in 1992. I work in collage, print and installation but mainly I am obsessed with artists’ books and the many forms they can take. I travel to the many artists book fairs and craft markets around the country to sell my work as well as taking part in various exhibitions and residencies around the world.
Fun fact: I was very much part of the punk scene in Chicago in the 80s!
Where I work:I work in a small studio in the back of my vegetable garden in rural Wales.
What sort of things are in your studio waste bin – and is it overflowing? Lots of bits of paper!
Which of your books are you proudest of? An embroidered altered book that I did for an installation for the Literary Atlas of Wales, which was a collaboration of artists and writers in Wales. http://www.literaryatlas.wales/en/
Which book by another artist do you wish you had made or thought of? ‘Street View’ by Hannah Fray https://www.hannahfray.com
Street View by Hannah Fray: Concertina book with hand painted wooden box. 1/1
Box dimensions: 10.5cm x 14.5cm x 3.5cm. Book dimensions approx: 7.5cm x 10.5cm x 60cm.
Which books on bookbinding, making, printing etc do you most use and why?
The Art of the Fold by Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol. It contains so many different folded book forms to use in different ways. It is fun to experiment with ideas in the book.
What was your biggest book-making disaster? Trying a Wheel of Fortune fold from The Art of the Fold and ending up making a little crumpled up pile of papers!
What are you currently working on? Lots of smaller folded books for the artists’ book and craft fairs around the country this summer.
Do you like to work with music playing? What kind of music works best for you? I always have music on in the background. I find ambient music good and listen to “Night Tracks” or “Unclassified” on BBC Sounds.
What is YOUR definition of an artist’s book? An object with text or abstract meaning that stretches the definition of a book.
What is your favourite book-making tool? What is your craft knife of choice? My favorite tool is my bone folder. I love the feel of it and it is so essential to book making.
I use one of my dad’s old X-Acto knives. I love using it because I know it has been through many blades and projects over the years!
If you received an Arts Council grant for £30,000, what would you spend it on? And if it was £500? If I had £30,000 I would get a bigger studio! If it was £500 – lots of Japanese papers and new book making tools
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?) She spreads herself over the entire floor to nap so I cannot leave my desk!