We all know it’s easy to get overwhelmed while traveling and moreso here in NYC (so much to see!) and unfortunately it left us unable to visit Laura Anderson Barbata, an international artist of many talents who I have met on a few occasions in Chicago. (Thank you so much for your flexibility, Laura, and I’m sure we’ll meet again!)

Our next visit though went smoothly and beautifully with the wonderful Miriam Schaer (aka Mimi, aka my book arts teacher at Columbia College Chicago)–it might even be the first time I have managed to be on time to meet with her. ;) We had an amaaaaazing breakfast (real bagels! Hooray!) and then Mimi showed me her studio and her work.

Mimi started out in graphic design and printmaking, but now her work is more often sculptural books that utilize found clothing or other found objects on the subjects of religion, feminism, or love.

Mimi in her studio

Mimi’s approach to both teaching and book arts encompasses a lot of my interests in connecting and community in the field:
community spaces like the Center for Book Arts (which we’ll be visiting later today),
passing on opportunities at the Center for Community Arts Partnership back in Chicago,
teaching children’s workshops,
participating in feminist art critique group (alongside my papermaking professor, Mel Potter)

So I am very familiar with her practices, but, as she commutes to work in Chicago every week, I rarely get to see the actual examples of her work which stay at her home studio in Brooklyn. It was fascinating to see the physical art work after having seen many images and knowing her style and influences well. The collection of found objects and clothing articles, important texts, embroidered details, and the sculptural detailing is altogether different to see in person.

Sculptural book

"Baby not on board" book

In My Father's House

Learning how people organize, work with, and utilize their home studio spaces has also been a treat for me (this being something I am constantly working on at home myself!). I also love seeing other artist’s inspiration walls.

Mimi in her studio space

inspiration wall

book arts supplies

It was also great to see some more of her workshop teaching examples:

Mimi and a children's book

including my favorite:

Halloween children's pop up book

thank you SO much Mimi! I’m glad we got the opportunity to come visit you, and I look forward to seeing you again this fall. :)

Posted on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at 9:28 am under "other".
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