Ephemera — not a book prospectus or holiday card

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A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DECADE:

AN EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY BOOKS

Reflecting the Diverse Work of Southern California Book Artists, 1980—1989

SPONSORED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR CONTEMPORARY BOOK ARTS

EDITOR'S NOTE

A Southern California Decade: An Exhibition of Contemporary Books, 1980-1989 is an exhibition that from its conception has reflected the primary aim of the Alliance for Contemporary Book Arts. At the most basic level the goal of ABA is to communicate to interested parties the direction and depth of creative work in the book arts among those active in the field in Southern California. In presenting this juried, retrospective exhibition we have attempted to be representative of work at all levels in the various creative branches of the book arts as it exists today in Southern California.

The existence of this show is in large part due to the presence in Los Angeles of Gerald Lange, brought here in 1987 by the University of Southern California to found its Fine Arts Press. From initial conception onwards we are greatly in his debt. Gerald was ably helped in all areas by Robin Price, his assistant at the Press and Secretary of ACBA. It would not have been possible for us to jury or mount this exhibition without use of facilities provided by the US Fine Arts Press, and we therefore thank the University for its assistance. Other ACBA members contributing time and production expertise are Joseph D'Ambrosio; Carolee Campbell, designer of the logo used on the title page and mailers; and Patrick Reagh, who has kindly printed the invitations. Barbara Pascal deserves special mention for stimulating interest among artist's bookmakers not only for this exhibition but for the field in general. We would like to thank Peterson Engraving Company for their contributution on the mailers. The USC Fine Arts Press donated the typesetting and paper for this catalog; the typography was done by Robin Price.

The exhibition schedule was arranged by the editor, who wishes to thank David Zeidberg of the UCLA Library Department of Special Collections, Nancy E. Loe of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Library Department of Special Collections, Martin Antonetti of Mills College Library Department of Special Collections, and D. Steven Corey of the University of San Francisco, Gleeson Library, Department of Special Collections, for their interest in our work and their willingness to exhibit it.

The methodology for the catalogue text is straightforward; the goal was to describe each work in a uniform fashion while giving each its own unique voice. Unless otherwise indicated all text in quotes is taken from the artists' statements or from the actual text of the work. All other descriptive text and annotations are by the editor, who is responsible for all errors of omission and commission, although it should be noted that a large number of entry forms were incomplete. I have attempted to keep the descriptive terminology uniform and clear, but due to the unique structure of many of the books this was not always possible. In general, unless otherwise specified, all aspects of design and production were done by the submittor, who is listed at the top of each entry.

Most of all, on behalf of the membership of the Alliance for Contemporary Book Arts, I would like to thank all of those who submitted work to our jury for consideration. It is the continued urge of individuals to express their creativity in the book form that makes this such a vital and invigorating field to work in. In large part this is due to the continued emphasis on book arts by the schools and other institutions whose programs are credited in the relevant student entries. The exhibition places a strong emphasis on student work, which is in a sense, our future. When I look at the diversity and depth of work in the book arts in Southern California during the past decade as represented in the exhibition, I can only hope that the next decade brings as much quality work and as many unique and personal visions.

Phillip T. Bevis

Los Angeles, December 14, 1989

(Santa Susana Press)

Nykamp, William. The Twilight of Orthodoxy In New England. Northridge, Santa Susana Press,

1987. Designer binding of black calf over hinged boards covered in marbled paper, upper cover with cutout showing gilt "flame" structure. Illustrated with woodcuts and printed letterpress by D'Ambrosio in an edition of sixty copies.

Unusual presentation of scholarly text in the form of an artist's book.

CLAM-SHELL BOX

September 26th 9:00-5:00

Learn to fabricate a clam-shell box to house the preceding workshops's four-needle binding. Participants will learn how to measure and create a box for any size book.

Double-wall construction will be employed as in the previous slipcase workshop. All materials will be provided except essential working tools. Bring the following tools: a bone folder; ruler; pencil with an eraser; mat knife/X-Acto knife; white glue; glue brush; empty jelly jar for water; household iron; scissors; straightedge for cutting; and weights (bricks/lead/heavy books).

Workshops will be held at the California State Library, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California. Each workshop is limited to 10 participants. Early registration is recommended. Regular rate: $90.00 per workshop; Foundation member rate: $75.00 per workshop.

Joseph D'Ambrosio is an artist who has worked within the book medium for more than 20 years. Currently living in Southern California, D'Ambrosio's work covers all facets of the book arts. He has studied with Elmore Mundell, Gordon Heuter, and attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago. D'Ambrosio serves as a California State Library Foundation Fellow. Proceeds from these workshops will benefit the California Center for the Book.

CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE BOOK

CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY FOUNDATION

Book Arts Workshop

Joseph D'Ambrosio

Book-in-a-Box

2-day workshop

May 1 & 2, 1993

9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

This is a 2-day workshop in which the participants will sew book block in a traditional way, and then cover it in a very nontraditional way: the book actually becomes part of its protective box all in one unit. The design possibilities are limited only to the creativeness of the designer. In the workshop participants will explore the many areas where structure and design become one functional unit. All construction materials will be provided including the pages for the text block.

The 2-day workshop will be held at the California State Library, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. It is limited to 10 participants. Early registration is recommended. Foundation member 2-day cost:

$150.00. Non-member 2-day cost: $180.00.

• Those who have taken Joe D'Ambrosio's previous workshops already have a book vise For those who have not, please indicate that one will be needed. The additional cost is $3.00 per vise, and will become the property of the participant.

Joseph D'Ambrosio is an artist who has worked within the book medium for more than 20 years.

Currently living in Southern California, D'Ambrosio's work covers all facets of the book arts. He has studied with Elmore Mundell, Gordon Heuter, and attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago. D'Ambrosio serves as a California State Library Foundation Fellow.

Proceeds from these workshops will benefit the California Center for the Book.