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Aimee Lee visits the KBAC

 

The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center had the privilege of hosting Aimee Lee as a visiting Artist-in-Residence between October 17 and November 2. This was made possible by an NEA grant we received this summer and further supported by a grant from the WMU Visiting Scholars and Artists and Program.

During her time here Aimee had free access to the papermaking studio to develop new works, creating various sheets of paper using mulberry and milkweed, laminating small handwritten papers between transparent sheets of paper, utilizing mulberry bark as a matrix for printmaking, and creating lattice-like works of art. Some of these materials will be used to create a limited edition of books. WMU students had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Aimee on campus and a lecture that was open to the public where she talked about her journey into papermaking (and specifically the art of hanji), in exploring her Korean cultural heritage through an art lens. Lee's journey has made her a leading force in preserving and teaching the Korean methods of hanji papermaking and weaving. She was awarded two Fulbright scholarships to study and train with papermaking masters in Korea. She later published an awarded-winning book about hanji and built the first hanji studio in North American at the Morgan Conservatory in Cleveland.

 

In addition to teaching, mentoring, and lecturing, Aimee exhibits at museums, galleries, libraries, and art centers across the world. An exhibit of Aimee's books is currently on display at WMU's Zhang Legacy Collections Center, and the Special Collections Library has now acquired several of Aimee's books. The KBAC’s current exhibition, Aimee Lee: this bast is a lattice, a matrix, a dialect, is an exploration of new interpretations of hanji including a beautifully curated collection of Lee's paper garments inspired by traditional Korean dress, woven hanji objects, and handmade books. This stunning work interweaves printmaking, papermaking, and writing, cross-referencing traditional and contemporary themes related to the practice of hand-making utilitarian and decorative clothing and other items. Aimee was at the KBAC for the opening artist's reception on November 1, guiding visitors through her temporary KBAC studio and discussing her materials, processes, and ideas that emerged during the residency.

Aimee Lee's exhibition is on view at the KBAC Gallery M-F, 10 am - 5 pm through January 17 (Please check with us about hours if you are planning a visit during the holidays.) Please join us on Friday, December 6, 5-8 p.m., during Art Hop, for extended hours to see this work! Limited copies of her book Hanji Unfurled: One Journey into Korean Papermaking are available for purchase at the KBAC during the exhibition

 Aimee was a joy to have in our studios; our interns also gained a wealth of insight into her techniques and practice, and we hope to see her again soon!

 

Synchronicity

Synchronicity is an exhibition curated by the Pen Dragons Calligraphy Guild for the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. Several of its members have taught or are currently teaching workshops for the KBAC, including calligraphic techniques, paper marbling, collage, paper folding, and more! The guild asked its members to submit two or more works for the exhibition, with one being a response, or somehow related to the other. This might include multiple approaches to a similar idea (whether a specific quote or theme such as water or nature) with new eyes and perspectives, or contrasting pieces linked by a common thread of subject or meaning. Calligraphers love to play, and the result is an exhibition featuring diversity in media, technique, and subject matter, ranging from whimsical to meditative or somber, integrating book arts with traditional and contemporary calligraphy.

We Are a Community!

Like most non-profits, the KBAC is an organization with a passion; we exist for the sheer love of book and paper arts. Our studios are structured around traditional bookbinding, papermaking, and printing, and our gallery features artists exploring these creative disciplines. Our Poets in Print series provides a platform for poets through readings and limited-edition books and broadsides, all printed and bound in-house.

Fish Skins, Coveralls, and Tomatoes

For many years the KBAC has partnered with the Western Michigan University’s Visiting Scholars and Artists Program to cohost artists. This month, we welcomed Minneapolis/St. Paul-based book and paper artist Erica Spitzer Rasmussen and are presenting her exhibition Books Abound in the KBAC gallery and the Zheng Legacy Collections Center.

Sharon and Katie in Venice!

Venice as I Imagined

This year I was lucky to join the KBAC’s Book Arts in Venice trip. As the Studio Manager at the KBAC I’ve heard about this trip for years from Jeff Abshear, KBAC Director and trip leader, as well as from interns and friends. I have become familiar with people’s names and seen pictures of the studios they visit, and now it was my chance to see them in person.

NEA STUDIO ARTIST RESIDENCIES

WE LOVE SHARING OUR SPACES WITH OTHER ARTISTS AND WATCHING WHAT TAKES SHAPE!

At their best, Studio Artist Residencies stimulate new creative processes and ideas for participating artists. They allow time and space to explore or expand on projects or ideas, often in facilities that artists would not otherwise have access to. The KBAC studios are a rich resource for local artists, providing the equipment and workspace for handmade papermaking processes, letterpress and other press-printing, and bookbinding!