Book Art
The MFA in Book Art recognizes that book art is a critical 21st-century visual arts discipline operating within a conceptual, theoretical and historical framework. At Mills there is a focus on material studies and a strong connection between the creation and the production of works of art. The MFA in Book Art is designed to help you to develop as a visual artist, to enhance your understanding of the visual, textual and dimensional nature of the medium, and to encourage a deep exploration of the book as a time-based material object.
The MFA in Book Art provides a space where you can create your own original work, contextualize that work within contemporary visual art practice, and ultimately push and transform the boundaries of these fields. The degree requirements are designed to develop artists who will be at the forefront of re-envisioning the relationship between a book’s form and its content.
Your two years of course work at Mills will prepare you to produce a thesis exhibition that allows you to fully express your ideas in one or more forms of your choosing, including installation, video, music performance, movement, graphics and of course books. This exhibition takes place at a professional gallery in downtown Oakland. During your time at Mills you'll share a dedicated graduate studio with the other MFA students, where you will have 24/7 access to a broad range of letterpress, printmaking and bookbinding equipment, along with a large-format digital printer and a large-format scanner. Our Book Art Pocket Gallery will provide you with opportunities to curate exhibitions of your own and other work, and our library's Special Collections will give you access to a broad and deep range of rare, antiquarian and contemporary books, including several hundred handmade artists’ books.
You'll have the opportunity to study with renowned core faculty members Julie Chen and Kathleen Walkup, who will help you to plan the trajectory of your education, including a year two concentration in letterpress, hand binding or artists’ books. A core seminar in The Material Book in your first semester will be followed by ongoing study, reading and discussion with visiting artists and scholars, librarians and faculty. Electives in studio art, intermedia including video, art history, music composition and performance, dance and other disciplines will provide the space for you to stretch, develop or try something new. Our unique new program, Bay Area Partnerships, will allow you to work with one or more Bay Area institutions, including among many others San Francisco Center for the Book, Letterform Archive, The Book Club of California, The Logan Collection at the Legion of Honor Museum and the Achenbach Conservation Lab, as part of your coursework.
In short, your Mills experience will be one-of-a-kind, two years of study and creativity that only Mills and the Bay Area, with their rich history and current sizzling opportunities in book art, can offer.
Program Goals
- Examine the conceptual, historical and theoretical framework of book art
- Create contemporary, individual artwork centered on the book as a material object, a time-based medium and a cultural and historical artifact
- Develop and refine work in all areas of book art studio practice
- Deepen in one chosen area of book art studio practice
- Gain professional experience in the book art community
BOOK 213: Artists' Books: Concept, Content, Form (4 Credits)
What are some conceptual building blocks for artists' books? How do form and content interact in their creation? By what critical standards are they judged? To explore these questions students will create their own artists' books. We will read from literature, visual studies, and the history and practice of bookmaking, and curate small exhibitions to document concepts and working methods of contemporary book artists as an exploration of current professional practice.
Note(s): Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced)
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Practiced)
- Undertake and complete a capstone project that demonstrates the full range of student learning and competency. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced)
BOOK 217: Visible Language (4 Credits)
This course explores the language of type and its relevance to students’ own written and visual creations. We will examine contemporary trends in visual poetics and legibility, and study the history of writing and type. We will learn about the avant garde period, and students will research the history of written language from their cultural backgrounds. In the studio students will learn both traditional letterpress printing and experimental and improvisational techniques as they produce works on paper. Workshops, guest artists, and field trips will be included.
Note(s): No auditors Limit 12 students. Open to graduate students only.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Introduced, Practiced)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 220: The Structure of Books (4 Credits)
This course begins with the construction of several traditional hardcover bindings before moving to more complex techniques such as multi-section exposed sewing and basic leather binding. Students will design their own variations on traditional techniques and materials. Students will also learn basic box construction and methods of surface decoration. Students will also learn how to design and create artists' books using techniques learned in class.
Note(s): No auditors Limit 12 students.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Introduced, Practiced)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 221: Building the Contemporary Book (4 Credits)
Students will develop a strong working knowledge of the tools and materials used in contemporary bookbinding while learning how to integrate structure with content in the development of their own one-of-a-kind artists' books. We will move from simple non-adhesive structures through various hardcover bindings and on to innovative three-dimensional book forms. Students will use various binding methods and simple mark-making methods to explore the structure and content of artists' books.
Note(s): No auditors Limit 12 students.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Introduced, Practiced)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 230: Artists' Books: Conceptual Approaches (4 Credits)
This course explores the broad range of historical, conceptual and theoretical approaches that encompass the medium of the artist's book. Through readings, close examination of historical and contemporary examples, and hands-on creative projects, we will consider the artists' book as a form and locate it within the broader context of contemporary writing and visual art.
Note(s): Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Introduced)
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 233: Introduction to Printmaking (4 Credits)
This course will cover a wide variety of printmaking techniques and processes including woodcut, linoleum block, monoprinting, paper lithography, and etching. Students will learn how to translate their drawings and ideas for images into prints that can be made both on and off the press. We will explore mark-making and the development of visual content and composition for both books and two-dimensional works.
Note(s): No auditors Limit 12 students.
BOOK 236: Work in Context: Writing, Book Art, and Public Presentation (4 Credits)
This class will examine the intersection of text, form and visual art in contemporary art and creative writing practice. In addition to exploring the critical literature, students will consider the role of the curator in exhibitions and publishing through a series of visual and written projects and public presentations.
Prerequisite(s): BOOK 230
Note(s): This seminar is open to students in the MFA in Book Art and Creative Writing. Graduate students not in this degree program should apply to the instructor and the program chair. No auditors. Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 240: The Movable Book: Ideas in Time and Space (4 Credits)
This course explores the artist's book as a time-based medium. What common issues does the book have in relation to other time-based media such as music, film, and performance, and how do they diverge? How can the physical structure of the book be used to draw the reader into a deeply focused viewing experience? Students will learn how to create movable paper mechanisms, how to approach the structured use of time in the book form, as well as how to incorporate three-dimensional book structures and simple image making techniques into their own content for artists’ books.
Note(s): This class is available for letter grade or pass-no pass only. No auditors. Limit 12 students. Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Introduced, Practiced)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 250: Thesis for the MFA Degree (4 Credits)
Thesis supervision by two-member faculty committee (Book Art and Creative Writing).
Note(s): Book 250 is reserved for graduate students pursuing the MFA in Book Art & Creative Writing. No auditors. Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Mastered)
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Practiced)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Undertake and complete a capstone project that demonstrates the full range of student learning and competency. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students address both conceptual and practical concerns in their written thesis proposal.
- Students show a clear progression of thought and refinement in the resulting thesis project.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 260: The Material Book (4 Credits)
The book is one of the most successful technologies in history, and one of the most invisible. We never ask ourselves how to operate a book, yet a book is one of the most iconic forms in our daily lives. We will investigate the nature of the book as an object through readings, close examinations of both rare and quotidian books housed in Special Collections, and through some hands-on work. We will look at the linkage between the architecture of the book and reading and writing practice, and we will explore contemporary artists’ books, independent publishing, zines and future possibilities.
Note(s): Open to graduate students only.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students will perform close readings of artists books and demonstrate results through written critiques and oral presentations.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- While this class will not be undertaking specific studio practices, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to examine, evaluate and discuss contemporary book art.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students will read from book and print history and examine historical artifacts in Special Collections, then connect those historical documents to contemporary work through oral presentations.
- Undertake and complete a capstone project that demonstrates the full range of student learning and competency. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students undertake historical analysis coupled with close readings of contemporary artists books and/or independent publishing, with the goal of achieving publishable results.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced)
- By studying the publishing on contemporary artists books and book culture, students will understand the level of practice they need to attain to contribute their voices to the field.
BOOK 261: Seminar in Professional Practice (1 Credits)
This seminar will prepare students for their professional practice in book art. Topics to be explored include issues concerning the design and production of professional-level work, preparation of a professional portfolio and CV, teaching practicum, approaches to involvement in the book art professional community, and various aspects of running a professional book art studio practice. Students will have the option of doing internships, creative projects (fall only), and prep work for conference presentations and exhibitions.
Note(s): Letter Grade only. No auditors Limit 12 students. Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
Book Art Program Goals
- Gain ability in the broad range of techniques that constitute contemporary bookmaking (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students will utilize the technical knowledge gained in their other coursework to assess their current creative work and the work of their peers.
- Students will examine and analyze artists' books in the Mills special collections, as well as the work of visiting artists.
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
Book Art Program Goals
- Learn to develop individual projects from a content-centered base (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students will discuss plans for their thesis work on both a practical and theoretical basis. Students will show examples of work in progress and receive peer critique.
- Develop a vocabulary for positive individual and group critique in the arts (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students listen to critiques of their own work and apply what they learn to subsequent projects.
- Students will develop critical language through discussion, reading, and close examination of artwork which they will apply in critique settings.
- Develop skills for collaboration and for functioning in a diverse studio environment (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students engage in group activities in the studio that allow for the cross-fertilization of ideas among their peers.
- Students learn to work cooperatively in a shared studio environment with shared equipment and materials. Students meet deadlines, follow guidelines, and are given the opportunity to provide feedback in critique and group projects.
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
BOOK 270: Book Art Concentration (2 Credits)
In their third semester students will identify a studio concentration in letterpress, bookbinding or artist’s books. Students in each concentration area will meet together with faculty throughout the semester to support the development of their thesis projects.
Prerequisite(s): BOOK 217 and BOOK 220
Note(s): This course is only open to MFA in Book Art students during the Fall of their second year. Limit 12 students. Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by artists.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
BOOK 275: Bay Area Partnerships (4 Credits)
Students will work with a faculty mentor to identify a Bay Area institution where they will complete a creative or scholarly internship. Students will propose a plan of activities and responsibilities, will complete a contract and will make a final presentation.
Prerequisite(s): BOOK 217 and BOOK 220
Note(s): This course is only open to MFA in Book Art students. Limit 12 students. Open to graduate students only.
Instructor Consent Required: Y
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students gain professional experience in one area of the field.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field.
BOOK 280AS: Paris in public & private; Voicing innovation in the 1920s (3-4 Credits)
Paris in post-war 1920s was a vibrant center of experimentation. Writers, artists and musicians challenged notions of gender, sexuality and, for U.S. expatriates, American conceptions about race, through their lives and creative work. This hybrid seminar-studio class will combine hands-on work in the book art studios with reading, discussion and the completion of creative projects. We will use the important resources of Mills’ Special Collections as a lens into the Modernist movement in art, performance and the ‘new world’ of printing and publishing by women. Field trips, guest artists
BOOK 284: Books as Multiples: Publishing on the Letterpress (4 Credits)
What is the connection between content and its physical form? How does meaning shift when its form changes? What does it mean to publish a book? How are form and content linked in your own work? Students will produce books in editions (multiples) in the letterpress studio as well as digitally as we investigate the ways text, image, and print come together in traditional and contemporary books. We will examine the history of print technologies, look at the work of today’s independent publishers, and explore the future of the book. Field trips, guest artists, and workshops will be included.
Note(s): No auditors Limit 12 students. Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
Program Goals:
Book Art and Creative Writing Program Goals
- Study the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of artists' bookmaking. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students articular the conceptual, practical and theoretical concerns of content development for artists' books.
- Students articulate the conceptual concerns of visualizing language on the page.
- Students examine and analyze their own creative work, the creative work of their peers, and creative work done by book artists in the field.
- Refine abilities in one or more areas of studio practice in book art. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students identify gaps in their own technical knowledge and take initiative to successfully rectify these weaknesses.
- Students show confidence in their studio practices, and their creative writing practices as demonstrated in their creative work.
- Gain a greater understanding of the historical context for contemporary work in book art. (Introduced, Practiced)
- The basis of students' creative work reflects an understanding of the historical context in which they are conceptualizing their work.
- Students are conversant, referentially, in contextual matters when discussing their own work, the work of their peers, and the work of book artists in the field.
- Explore the relationship of visual art and writing. (Introduced, Practiced, Mastered)
- Students integrate elements of creative writing and visual art in their creative work.
- Students familiarize themselves with the work of professionals in the field who combine the disciplines of visual art and creative writing in their creative work.
Faculty
Janice Braun
Special Collections Librarian
Milhaud Archivist
Director of the Center for the Book
Book Art Program
F. W. Olin Library
510.430.2047, jbraun@mills.edu
Professional Interests: History of books and printing, illustrated books, artists' books, the avant-garde
Julie Chen
Lovelace Family Chair in Book Art
Professor of Book Art
CPM, Room 119
510.430.2217, jchen@mills.edu
An internationally known book artist who has been publishing limited edition artists' books under the Flying Fish Press imprint for over 20 years, Julie Chen's courses include Building the Contemporary Book and Time and Space in the Artists' Book.
Kathleen Walkup
Professor of Book Art, Program Head
CPM, Room 119
510.430.2001, kwalk@mills.edu
A lecturer, curator, writer, and teacher, Kathleen has had a profound impact on the field of book art. Her research includes the history of women and print. Her ongoing project, Library of Discards, examines the conceptual nature of artists' books. She teaches pioneering classes that combine historical study and studio art.
Staff
Isabelle Chiosso
Faculty Administrative Assistant
Art Room 121, 510.430.2217, ichiosso@mills.edu
Mark Sarigianis
Studio Coordinator
CPM Room 120, 510.430.3391, msarigianis@mills.edu