I’ve tried to connect with artists and librarians in and around Cincinnati for a couple of years, but scheduling has always been an issue. This year, Cincinnati, Ohio, here I come! Last month a decision to write to the Cincinnati Book Arts Society and inquire if any group member would be interested in meeting with me and introduce me to their work and studio was a success.
I received an email from Judith Serling-Sturm, past president of CBAS, to join her for a morning of conversation in her atelier. Sitting in this wild and art-filled space, Judith was as curious about my work as I was about her's.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Judith describing her work
Judith’s studio is in the Pendleton Art Center. The Center strives to encourage and nurture artistic creativity. It provides a supportive and inspiring environment for artists by offering art exhibitions, events and educational programs that raise public awareness and appreciation for the arts.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Judith's studio
Judith Serling-Sturm had been a freelance essayist before she apprenticed with a binder whose specialty was exposed bindings. She was instantly captivated by the textures and beauty of the artists' books, as well as the way book arts elevate the efforts and magnify the beauty of binding.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Judith's blank books are often created from recycled leather jackets, incorporating zippers, pockets, hooks, and snaps in the cover design, lined with fabric reclaimed from treasured jeans, work shirts, skirts and silk ties
In her work, the binding technique, structure, materials, as well as content, are important in the communication of an idea. Her work incorporates found objects and natural elements and often addresses issues of social justice.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Unarmed in America by Judith Serling-Strum
Judith teaches binding techniques in her studio and a visiting artist in classrooms up and down the east coast. She's currently a participating artist in the Taft Museum’s Artists Reaching Classroom program, as well as the Chair of the Cincinnati Book Arts Society.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, a fun piece by Judith hanging in her studio
© 2018 Judith Serling-Strum, Banned
My morning was wonderful, the interaction with a new contact made the trip worthwhile. Many artists seek to meet and talk to other artists it gives us all more knowledge on the world of binding and artists’ books.
Bye Bye city of wall paintings. These painted walls are exquisite and fun, I saw five out of ten murals from this article "10 Must-See Murals in Cincinnati."
My favourite is on Pendleton St where we parked our putt-putt for a few hours.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, wall painting on Pendleton St in Cincinnati