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Newsletter Nr.32

May 11, 2010 in Newsletters

A circle closes

For the current exhibition in Putten (NL) I was looking more closely at my artist’s books. As it is an retrospective exhibition, the manuscript books I made during my BA study in London, also came out of their protective boxes and wraps. And along came the memories.

In the time of making these books I was overwhelmed with inspiration, and so enthusiastic I couldn’t sleep. There was something so incredibly joyous in the intuitive recognition of making them, however long it took to get the materials, writing and the illustrations “right”, complimenting eachother. And then, the pleasure of binding a book and making a box for the whole creation. With the first book I ran out of time, and its simplistic binding and protective enveloppe had to do the job. With the second manuscript also the finishing touches were in balance with the overall feel of the book.

simperisimperi2

In the past years I have made more manuscript books, which you can see in the exhibition, and some of them also on my website. And more will come.

The title of my post refers to re-connecting with the strong rush of creative inspiration, and also to that specific time. “A circle closes” because on an evening  I found a speech on the internet (read it here) by Ewan Clayton, who taught us calligraphy at Roehampton.

He taught us the importance of cohesion. The importance of being connected with our past and future at the same time. And that the cultural, but also the environmental (as in climate, landscape, infrastructure) surroundings you currently find yourself in, influence your work. And perhaps the most essential part: he pointed out the importance of being connected with yourself, being aware of your state of mind, when working.

I was so happy, reading the speech. He , together with my bookbinding teacher Jen Lindsay, marked the beginning of this circle that now touches its beginpoint – the rush of creative enthousiasm and inspired recognition – and moves upwards in a spiral.

For more internet inspiration on the subject “tradition meets contemporary”, check out these links: http://www.design.nl/item/post_fossil_back_to_the_future

http://inhabitat.com/2010/04/14/water-resistant-furniture-made-from-paper-pulp/

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Exhibition

The exhibition at the Kunstkelder in Putten, Netherlands opened on  23rd of April and will go on until 22 May. The two co-exhibitors are Riet Harmse (textile panels) and Stieni Foppen (paintings). On show is a retrospect of my work, with the titel “Eventually everything becomes a book” . For more information (in Dutch), follow this link.

Adventure and fairytales

Adventure and fairytales – this is the realm that gives my work its soul. I see my books as vessels to pour stories into.

The journals are for the future owner to use and make their own. As a working journal, notebook, travel journal… The books will only get more character when handled. Carry them with you. Use them. Leather gets patina and glow when used. Read more about the journals here.

The artist’s books, as mentioned above, are inner landscapes of my own. But there is more! Read here about commissioning an artist’s book.

Teaching

One-to-one consultancy sessions have proven to be a very efficient way to reach a specific goal, from technical issues to putting together a whole manuscript book.  Because – half of the satisfaction is that you made it, right?

A workshop on palm leaf bindings (background and creative approach) is taking place in the weekend of 12 and 13 of June. Read more about it here.

Enjoy!

Nina

PS. Do you have friends who might like to read this Newsletter? Do mail it forward!

Newsletter Nr.31

January 17, 2010 in Newsletters

Winter 2010

Abundance understood

First: A very good 2010 to you all. May it be everything you wish for!

I don’t know about you, but I have had one of the most exceptional times in the last 6 months. “Nothing moved”. As much as I wanted to act, all I found was frustration in the face of reality. It simply was not the TIME to act.

But, in the meantime, some things clarified.

Like my perception of abundance. Abundance is not about “what you can afford to have”, but what you ALREADY HAVE. Take a good look around in your life. Take a (long!) moment to really count your blessings and to be thankful for them.

…and of quality.

Shaken out of our habits, we are forced to make new decisions. As you’re making your fresh selection of how to live your life from this moment on, make sure it is one that nourishes both you and our Planet.

Quality has shifted, in my mind, from “luxury” to “attention”. Luxury is something extra, out-of-the-ordinary, festive. Whereas attention can be applied all the time. In fact, it should be applied all the time. I’m consciously avoiding the new, fashionable word “mindfulness”, but if that is what springs to your mind, yes, I’m talking about that – awareness of the how you are living your life.

For more reading, follow this link: Slow Movement .

The future of Crafts

A friend of mine strongly believes that Crafts, once the inherited livelihood of common man, will shake off its dusty and ill-fitting image, and become sexy. Good news for me and my colleagues! This friend is currently working on a European network (details to be published at a later date). If you are a crafts person (or doing something crafts related) and interested in hitching along this upward wave, please contact me via email. For everyone else, watch my website for a link to this wave in the future.

Exhibition

I will be exhibiting in Putten, Netherlands on 23 April – 22 May, together with Riet Harmse and Stien Foppen. More information will follow on my site.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PS. The workshops are on hold at the moment. Should you wish to learn anything bookbind related, you can always contact me with your specified wish for a one to one consultancy.

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy!

Nina

Newsletter Nr.30

June 8, 2009 in Newsletters

Liber Amicorum

On our Atelier web page it also says we also make Liber Amicorums in commission. A Liber Amicorum is  a collection of writings for one person – poetry, good wishes, drawings, images – and bound to a book.

When I was a little girl I too had a “Friends Book”: a pre-printed book with a spread for each friend to fill in the blank lines: name, birthday, favourite colour, what pets they had and so on.
I remember that I asked my teacher to write in it too. She wrote that her favourite film was “Hair”. I was very, very upset when I wasn’t allowed to see it at the tender age of seven.

In these modern times I wonder how many of our readers know what a Liber Amicorum is. And what its position is, with its modern competitors on the internet.

The future of the book

Having said that, I will defend my cause immediately. To me books are time capsules, grasping a moment in lifetime, much like a photo does – but differently. Diaries and working journals record thoughts, and are an irreplaceable  touching stone when the dates of entries are included. Novels  are a déjà vu connection to the time in my life when I first/last read that book, and of course a fantastic journey to “other places”.

And last but not least, when I was sitting at a conference with my notebook and pen in hand, I looked around me and didn’t see one single laptop being used – but a lot of good oldfashioned papery page notebooks.

Online presence

This Newsletter will continue to keep you up to date on the things going on in and around our atelier. But should you like to read updates more often, please join me on these platforms

Facebook

Twitter

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Thanks for reading … and now back to finishing commission work before the summer break.

Enjoy!

Nina

Newsletter Nr. 29

April 7, 2009 in Newsletters

Balancing in between

Often I catch myself fretting about the things I need to get done. But with your little son, Toon, has come the understanding that an open, present attitude is more important than getting what I want, when I want it. I’ve become a “we” instead of “me”. I’m happy and grateful to have this insight, extending it beyond the boundaries of our little family. The neighbors, colleagues and fellow world citizen are also a part of “we”. I haven’t turned into a saint (yet), I still have my balancing wobbles. But it is a nice thought to keep in mind, “I’m a we“.

 

At the atelier

The atelier is open on Thursdays and Fridays in the afternoon, and on appointment. During the other times of the week we’re working on commissions and our own creations.

The front side of  the atelier space is gradually growing to a little shop. At the moment we have a selection of bookcloth, some hand tools and books about books to offer. More tools and materials – knifes, needles, glue and the like – will follow. 

Of course we’re exhibiting and selling a selection of our own work as well. 

In addition, books in sheets can be looked in and obtained at our shop. 

“De kleine Johannes” by Atelier de Ganzenweide is available, and later this spring more titles will follow. 

Miniature books, both bound and in sheets, by the Catharijne Press are available.

If you are a handbookbinder, and would like to sell your work through our shop, please get in contact for more information.

Courses and workshops are continuing until the summer break. In the months July and August the teaching activities pause, to start again in September.

You can read more about the atelier (in Dutch) here.

 

Open Atelier Day

The previous Open Atelier Day was a great success! For an impression see the Blog page of my site (scroll down for Atelier Open Day). 

And already we’re planning for something NEW…

 

New York comes to Amsterdam

This is the title of our culture-packed afternoon, on 25th April, from 14.00 to 17.00. Books by Nina, Christel and Mitzi, music by Signe and perhaps Flip too, and paintings by Job. 

For the poster look here. 

Should you wish to receive the poster per email for your own reference, or to print it out and hang it up, just email me and I’ll be happy to send it to you.

 

and don’t forget to STOP and ENJOY ; )

Nina

 

 


Newsletter Nr.28

April 5, 2009 in Newsletters

…was the Open Atelier invitation (see category Other creative projects).

Newsletter Nr.27

December 2, 2008 in Newsletters

Wishing you a peaceful end of the year

Usually I try to avoid political issues in my public writings, but this time I will share my thoughts about the theme war and peace, since it lies right on top of my attention at the moment…If you’d rather skip it, go directly to announcements section below : )

The Nits have a fantastic song called War and Peace. “…they go together like siamese twins, one stops, the other begins, war and peace…”.
It has been a crazy year again on this front. I will not comment on the recent happenings in Mumbai since they go far beyond my pacifist frame of mind, but I will talk a little bit about Dalai Lama.

Here at home we are great fans and friends of Tibet. What has been nagging me the whole year is, why is the Dalai Lama holding on to his extremely tolerant policy regarding the growingly alarming situation in Tibet? He continues to be firm but peaceful. Turning this around in my head a thought arose: Perhaps he is waiting for the World to take action? Perhaps, instead of waiting for “somebody to do something” we should all get up and say “now it is enough”. I feel powerless by this.

But I DO have a constructive insight on this issue, too! It is one insight I had in a smaller scale – at home. Balancing between my ambitions and young motherhood is no easy thing for me. And when I get tired , my edginess increases. And when I am tired and edgy, I start to feel small. And in an attempt to “fix” my inner clash, I steam it out to my beloved ones. Perhaps all wars begin from the feeling of being small and wanting to be bigger. Looking at it this way, all the fighting nations become a bit pitiful, the opposite of what they probably try to achieve.

The irony is, that all borders between nations and cities are just thoughts – lines on maps.

And when one is rested and relaxed and feels safe, it is easy to realise that even the borders between people…are not so rigid at all.

Wishing you all a peaceful, love-filled end of the year.

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Shop opening at wishscroll.etsy.com

A wish scroll is a personal piece of magic to wear. It is a leather pendant worn around your neck, under your clothing, against your skin. Write your wish on a piece of paper, put it in the scroll and wear until your wish comes true.

* * * * The first 12 wish scrolls are listed! To kick start my shop, the FIRST CUSTOMER GETS A 25% DISCOUNT ON THE PRICE .  * * * *  A note to readers in the Netherlands: it is very close to Sinterklaas, but not too late yet! Remember: it only takes one night for the post-Piet to deliver your package…  For more information, go here.

Workshops

… are listed on the website again! And, there is the long-awaited opportunity for walk-in atelier! It is  the chance for you to work on your own project, making use of the facilities and know-how of our atelier. Welcome!

All the best,

Nina

Newsletter 26

November 8, 2008 in Newsletters

Autumn

It was a race against time.
What started as a cautious expedition into unknown land of creativity, ended as a manic marathon on the gigantic waves of inspiration. You wouldn’t say that, looking at the resulting work in the exhibition: silent books, meditative.
Hopefully you can also see the giggles and fun I had making them. More on the latest books will follow, be patient.

This is  the email version of the exhibition invitation – please excuse me if you get it for the second time.

Bookbinding Fair in Leiden

The annual Bookbinding Fair in St.Pieterskerk in Leiden is on again this weekend. More information (in Dutch) is available here.

Enjoy!

Newsletter Nr.25

August 14, 2008 in Newsletters | No comments

Summer

As I write this a storm wind is bending the plants outside. Spring was early, but so is autumn, it seems like. Just back from a long, adventure-filled vacation, I feel as if time is biting my heels. Looking back into my photos I see a summer filled with sunshine, happy togetherness, and lots of time outdoors. And I feel the excitement of living with the seasons. It is nearly harvest time, in the garden, and in the atelier. I am working towards an exhibition that will open in November. New things are in the making, in the form of harvesting life lived until now. It is very exciting to work with precious ideas, to see them turn into matter under my hands. I hope you can come and see the “fruit” when the exhibition is up. Until then, let me invite you to take a look at my new website!
There you can also see the details about the exhibition “Seasons” .

Wish scrolls

The scrolls are in the making again, but they seem to find their new homes as soon as they are finished! This means I only have a few in stock, but am happy to make one on order for you. Prices start at € 47,50. For more information, see the Wish scrolls page .

Recommended read

A beautiful book to read, in Dutch, is “Het geluk wandelt mee op de Via de la Plata” by Sanne Vos. She made her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and shared her diary, first through emails to friends, then through this book. It is a very truthful, open, questioning and illustrating book (in words) about what the author experienced during her pilgrimage alone. Recommended to anyone who feels drawn to make a pilgrimage, either to Santiago de Compostela or just in their selves. You can take a look – and order – here.

Enjoy!
Nina

Newsletter Nr.24

March 12, 2008 in Newsletters | No comments

Spring is early

We have enjoyed a busy winter re-arranging the garden. It has been a race with the spring, which seemed to be months too early. But as I sit down with a good cup of coffee to look – really LOOK – I see that all the haste is in my head. There is no race.
Everything happens exactly when it is supposed to happen. I don’t know how it works, but Life has its wisdom. Even the little interruptions have their function. If I hadn’t stopped, I would have gone into the wrong direction.
I’m so happy to enjoy, here and now.

Calligraphy Manifest in Den Bilt

The annual international calligraphy manifest will take place on Saturday 15th March in De Bilt (the Netherlands). Professional calligraphers, bookmakers (yes, yours truly too ) and suppliers will be at your service from 10 to 17 at the Cultureel Centrum H.F. Witte, Henri Dunantpolein 4, De Bilt. Welcome!

Exhibition of Miniature Bindings

Neale Alberts highly inspiring collection of Miniature Designer Bookbindings is coming to Europe. The collection was exhibited at the Grolier Club, NY, in the autumn of 2006. Now the mini treasures will be on show in the Historic reading Room at the John Rylands Library in Manchester, UK, from 4 June through 18 October of 2008.

Enjoy!

Nina

Newsletter Nr.22

December 7, 2007 in Newsletters | No comments

End of the year

Time again for candlelit evenings and warm, cosy atmosphere. What a year it has been (already! we still have 1 month to go…). Little Toon Ilo has kept me busy, and what a pride and joy he is to us, I tell you! That a little person can develop from newborn to a standing, own personality within a year is amazing. Not to speak of the sheer miracle of how we all became to be… Out of love and a sparkle of energy grows this fully developed body, which then becomes stronger and learns all kind of. Lets remember how we all started, and realise that we still continue to develop.

Back to business

Slowly but surely things are starting to happen on the business side of life again.
To start with, let me announce that the atelier finally has a permanent address:

Dusartstraat 12 sous
1072HR Amsterdam
Netherlands

Christel Harms kindly shares her atelier with me. Check out her beautiful work at www.christelharms.nl

And now that there is a place, there is a “stage” for things. Ladies and gentleman, welcome to…

Commissioning a binding

Special books for special people. Nina Judin creates new books as well as re-binds your special book. Do you have a book, text, letters, drawings or photos you would like to have bound into a special book? Do you need a blank book for a specific purpose? You can order a binding to meet your specific taste and requirements. Please do keep in mind that finishing the design and making the book take time. If you have a set date to your book project, please contact me early!

Bookbinding class

From January 2008 onward, every fourth Saturday of the month, bookbinding class for maximum six participants. We start with one warm-up project together. After that you are welcome to come and work on your own projects, with the equipment of the atelier and the know-how backup from Nina. Not to forget the fun and inspiration you get from working together ! Mail me for further information.

Bookbinding workshops

For those of you who want precise and intensive bookbinding knowledge downloaded into your system just within one weekend, there are the workshops. These one or two day intensive learning sessions are based on a bookbinding structure and/or technique that allows you to make a fully finished product. Again, please send an email for further information.

Exhibition

“Jonge Helden in de band” is an exhibition of design bindings made for the book “Jonge Helden!”, written by André Nuyens to celebrate the 650 years of history of the town Hoorn. The exciting stories all have children or youth as heroes, vividly describing life from different historical moments in Hoorn.
26 bookbinders expressed their view on the book through their design bindings. The books are exhibited from 4th December to 25th January 2008 at the Westfries Archives in Hoorn.

Enjoy!
Nina

Newsletter Nr.21

September 28, 2007 in Newsletters | No comments

NEW ADDRESS!

I must be one of the most frequently moving bookbinders…
The new post adress is:

….

The atelier might relocate again in within the year, so write it down in pencil.

Moving house is great! You get to re-furnish your life. A fresh start, time to choose what you take with you and what do you leave behind. While I’m sorting out my stuff, you can take a look at the new blog…

Latest Work

In addition to commission work I’m also making books to try out new idea. A selection of these works are available at www.NinaJudinBooks.etsy.com.

New Workshops start

A reminder:The new workshop series begins with Limp paper binding, on 15 and 16 September.
You always wanted to learn the basics of bookbinding but didn’t find a suitable course? Or you already know the basics but are looking for some variation? Welcome to the workshop limp paper binding! We will make a multi-section binding (lots of pages, a thickish book) with flexible paper covers. During this intensive learning weekend we will go through the basic know-how of bookbinding, and you should be able to make many more books like this, independently, at home.

For more information on ALL workshops, send me an email!

Enjoy!
Nina

PS. Baby Toon Ilo is now 8 months young and as his Finnish name Ilo (=joy) says, a sunshine boy beyond all expectations!

This is the 21st Newsletter. You’re on the mailing list now, but should you wish to be removed from it, please let me know.

Newsletter Nr.20

April 27, 2007 in Newsletters | No comments

New life

It has been quite a while since my last Newsletter, sorry for the long delay. Normally I would inform you about bookbinding exhibitions, new ideas, and/or share a philosophical thought. But as all of you with children know, when a child is born there is little room for other thoughts. Our year has begun with the arrival of Toon Ilo, our sunny son, on the 2nd of January. We’re very proud and happy, and believing in magic and miracles again!

Bookbinding has been on a hold for a while. This summer we will move house (staying in Amsterdam), and things should gradually get back to “normal” again…

Sale at Etsy
My online shop is having a big moving house/spring sale. Check it out at www.NinaJudinBooks.etsy.com.

New Workshops
The new workshop dates are finally published, with the workshops Limp paper binding, The Ancient Book and Wishscroll as new entries. Send me an email if you would like to get more information about the schedule and its contents.


Bookbinding Fair in Sint Niklaas, Belgium
The place to be for all bookbinding ethusiasts! Materials, tools, information, demonstrations and not to forget: colleagues, all in one place!!
On Sunday 29 April 2007, from 11.00 to 17.00, at the City Halls of Sint Niklaas, Leopold II-laan 67 (opposite the Station and Siniscoop). For more information see www.boekbindbeurs.nl

Enjoy!
Nina

Newsletter Nr.19

October 27, 2006 in Newsletters | No comments

An abundant autumn to you all,

I hope you enjoyed the long, warm summer and are still carrying the warmth within you. It is time for indoors again… Grab a pen and paper NOW and write down 3 things you would like to make. See if you can use half an hour every evening forwarding these three projects. Instead of turning on the TV or the computer, give your hands, heart and soul some playtime. And for you who need deadlines here is one: you have got time until Christmas. For you who enjoy getting feedback, send me pictures of finished work with a description, and I will get back to you! And here is what I have been up to…

SWEET AND SOFT BABYBOOKS

…Actually they are notebooks for a mother (to be) – Memory Pocket Books for all the Mamas to write down their memoirs of the special time of pregnancy, birth and the first year of the baby. Papas are allowed to write in it too.
I first made one (see the original on my website in Portfolio > The Latest Work!) and it was so much fun I just kept at making more. You can see them in more detail at www.NinaJudinBooks.etsy.com

ONLINE SHOP

Yes, take a look at www.NinaJudinBooks.etsy.com! More bookish things will be added regularly so take a look, say, weekly

INSPIRATION

New things are mostly sparked off by some kind of inspiration. How about these:

- I visited another world, just around the corner from where I live. Shirdak is a lovely shop selling everything you can imagine made from felt, and more. They have exhibitions of guest artists/craftspeople and are very friendly and informative – if you never had a reason to come to Amsterdam, now you do! See their website at www.shirdak.nl

- If I had not met Katrina, I would probably not have my online shop now. She makes wonderful bags in Scandinavian vintage fabrics – so hip in their retro prints! Take a look at www.katrinakaye.etsy.com

EXHIBITIONS

Miniature Designer Bookbindings from the collection of Neale M. Albert are exhibited on September 14 – November 4, 2006 at The Grolier Club (Second floor gallery), 47 East 60th Street, New York. For more information see www.grolierclub.org

AND

The international bookbinding exhibition Double Bush Binding, organised by Bookbinding Exhibitions Australia, is coming to Europe! Note down the following dates and place

France: Bibliotheque Carnegie. Reims. 16 Jan-15 March 2007

For more information about the organizers, the book and the exhibition see www.imazine.com.au/bea/index.htm

Enjoy!
Nina

Newsletter Nr.18

July 27, 2006 in Newsletters | No comments

SUMMER GREETINGS!

Well, it has been quite a while since I last wrote a Newsletter. I am sorry for the long break, and hope I find you all well and happy!

The exhibitions of the winter and early spring went well, it was also very nice to meet with old friends. In April I was teaching bookbinding and a course called ‘philosophy of the maker’ in Finland. These intensive sessions of one week or sometimes two are very satisfying, as there is time for individual reflection and something that I call blooming – suddenly the flow of personal creativity finds its way out of the student! I’m looking forward to teaching more at art academies in the future.
The rest of spring and the summer so far has been nicely filled with commission work.
Furthermore, the website has some new stuff – take a look at www.ninajudin.nl in the Portfolio > Thumbnail Gallery section.

And now it is time for holidays – enjoy!

EXHIBITIONS

For the long distance travellers amongst you, please note the following dates and places!

The international bookbinding exhibition Double Bush Binding, organised by Bookbinding Exhibitions Australia:
Japan: Waseda Gallery. Waseda University. Tokyo. 6-17 June 2006
Australia: Mezzanine Gallery.Forbes. 12-30 August 2006
France: Bibliotheque Carnegie. Reims. 16 Jan-15 March 2007
For more information see www.imazine.com.au/bea/index.htm

Miniature Designer Bookbindings from the collection of Neale M. Albert are exhibited on September 14 – November 4, 2006 at The Grolier Club (Second floor gallery), 47 East 60th Street, New York. For more information see www.grolierclub.org

relax.
Nina

Newsletter Nr.17

March 27, 2006 in Newsletters | No comments

New adress

The atelier has moved – the new adress for all correspondence and atelier classes is
…

Due to not being connected to the internet for a while, I haven’t been able to update my website for some time, but bear with me, good things will come…

Greetings,

I hope to find you all well and inspired. Three intensive months have passed, but the atelier is working again. At the moment I’m busy with new work for coming exhibitions, and – right under the everyday surface – with the philosophy of the maker and other soul-searching matters. There is also time again for fine bindings and other commission work, so NOW would be a very good time to contact me on that area.

I thought that this issue would not contain any ‘philosophical stuff’, but the following is so strongly the credo of this moment in my life, so here it comes (again?): It doesn’t matter how much money you are making, how big your house is, how many cars, friends or holidays you have. How you live your life is the only thing that matters. What you make of what you have in your life at this moment, is the importatant issue. Live like a butterfly – lightly, bringing beauty and fruitfulness with every movement you make.

This year begins with exhibitions – the first flowers are blooming again after a tough winter…

Double Bush Binding – exhibition Australia/France

The attatched photo is of my latest binding, a bilingual edition of two short stories by Paul Wenz, for the international bookbinding exhibition in Sydney 3 to 25 March. The exhibition will then tour in Australia and in France. For more information about the exhibition please contact the Bookbinding Exhibitions Australia: beainc@yahoo.com.au .

Exhibition at Galerie Le Pignon, Grootschermer

I am pleased to be participating the Spring exhibition at Gallerie Le Pignon on 31 March – 9 April. Book objects will be on show, come and see them! The gallery is open every day of that week from 11.00 – 17.00. The adres is Noordeinde 32, Grootschermer.

Exhibition at Kruithuis, ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Bigunnan – the beginning, the Source – is the theme of this group exhibition initiated by colleague artist Rietje de Bijl . 10 artists are participating this inspiring exhibition with our visions on the theme, individually and together. Here you will see my new work! The exhibition is open 23th April – 20th May, 12.00 – 17.00 daily, on Thursdays until 21.00. Het Kruithuis is on Citadellaan 7 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Books at Fates, Leiden

My blanco books – journals, diaries and notebooks – are now in the treasurechest-like shop, Fates, in Leiden. You can visit them at Lange Brug 89 , Leiden, or take a look online: www.fates.nl.

Workshops, courses and lectures

Please mail me for the full descriptions and NEW! schedule at books@ninajudin.nl.

expect the unexpected
Nina

Newsletter Nr.16

November 27, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

Dear every one,

Autumn is here – time for indoors and candle light. Attention becomes directed inwards again. For me these busy months of October and November are also a time of self-reflection. I’m shaken by love…towards a whole group of people, “my people”, supporting, listening, sharing.
It is so easy to live the illusion of being totally free to go and do whatever I please. But I’m tugged back – by the roots at my heart that sprouted there without me noticing. My eyes open to what really matters…Share time together while you can.

Bookbinder’s fair

The handbookbinders and private presses will be organising a fair in Leiden again. It’s all happening on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November at St. Pieters Kerk. Come and see it!

Open atelier on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November

For one weekend my studio will be transformed into a little shop of wonders. Come and see it all, bring your friends too! You are welcome on both days from 13.00 to 17.00, to enjoy a browse, warm drink and a chat if you like…or just get carried away to Nina-land.

enjoy life!
Nina

Newsletter Nr.14

July 27, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

Summervibes

Hello there, friends! Wishing you all an inspiring and relaxing summer. Here life is streaming on in its wild ways, I’m enjoying the ride. I can’t believe I’m saying this but: since I have a dog, I understand God better. Luca is soon 6 months young, and is exploring the world with the full energy and enthusiasm of a puppy. Mostly he is sweet and charming, but “exploring” also means eating things that aren’t good for him, stealing pick-nicks in the park and exploring things and places that are not safe. I do my best to guide him but he’s not always willing to listen… You see the connection ? And in the big picture of life, we don’t see and know what is meant to happen soon. Instead of wrecking your brain trying to think it through, listen to your intuition. The right thing is obvious, though sometimes surprising. The “bonus feature” we have got, as opposed to dogs (…), is the ability to communicate clearly with words. In your relations, make use of it! Ask more questions, and really listen to what the other has to say.

Enjoy the summer and fun – and listen to your intuition!

Books in Belgium

“An experience of becoming still”

The sculpture park “Henriëtte” is the brainchild of the graphic artist Henriëtte .S. (www.artcircle.com and www.kunstenaarsverenigingdeonafhankelijken.nl) and was opened for the first time in 2000. Every year in the months June, July and August she exhibits work from herself and from invited artists. This year the participating artists are

Rita Berx – glas
Marina Boonen – sculpture (bronze)
Cahel – sculpture (bronze)
Agy Claessen – ceramics
Katy Ercken – mixed media
Diny Govers – sculpture (stone)
Nina Judin – artist’s books
Anita Nuñez Larraz – sculpture (bronze)
Rob Metz – works
Ineke Nibbelke – ceramics
Henriëtte .S. – graphic arts

Open every Sunday in June, July and August at 14.00-18.00 and by appointment,
tel. 0032-11-664846.

Sculpture park “Henriëtte”, Loksvaartdijk 27, Overpelt, Belgium
(5km from the border of the Netherlands)

Coming up in September: book arts exhibition “Paimentolainen” (Finnish for a nomad) in Amstelveen, The Netherlands. Read more about it in the next newsletter.

Live your life,
Nina

Newsletter Nr.13

May 27, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

Life is a symphony

One morning I was walking to my atelier and came to think about life as music. I’m not particularly learned in the arts of music so I’ll keep it very simple…
You can’t rush into the heights of beautiful music. It has to begin and gently be built up with themes and variations. Music can shrink and expand in volume, but simple is not better than full or vice versa – a single soft voice from silence can be as thrilling as the great ,broad, full, overflowing sound of, say, U2. And so on. The thinking went on , suggesting that each one of us is one tone in a great piece of music. One tone.
Can you see how we all fit together? Without the bass the melody wouldn’t flow so nicely. Some sounds support each other by being opposites . Some sounds make each other ring even more beautifully by being so close, intertwined, circling each other.

An instrument sounds more beautiful when it is tuned. Tune yourself today and then play with the rest of the world.

Stillness and beauty in Belgium

“An experience of becoming still”
The scupture park “Henriëtte” is the brainchild of the graphic artist Henriëtte .S. (www.artcircle.com and www.kunstenaarsverenigingdeonafhankelijken.nl) was opened for the first time in 2000. Every year in the months June, July and August she exhibits work from herself and from invited artists. This year the part taking artists are

Rita Berx – glas
Marina Boonen – sculpture (bronze)
Cahel – sculpture (bronze)
Agy Claessen – ceramics
Katy Ercken – mixed media
Diny Govers – sculpture (stone)
Nina Judin – artist’s books
Anita Nuñez Larraz – sculpture (bronze)
Rob Metz – works
Ineke Nibbelke – ceramics
Henriëtte .S. – graphic arts

Sculpture park “Henriëtte”
Loksvaartdijk 27
Overpelt, Belgium
(5km from the border of the Netherlands)

Summer Exhibition at the Studio

Artist’s books by Nina Judin and collages and gouaches by Job de Vries. Open until end of July, on appointment.
Job’s colourful, poetic worlds are unmissable. On the bookish side of things the long-awaited Portrait Book and The Great Little Elephant Book (a collaboration with Wouter Bijlsma) are just a few of the new works on show.

Enjoy life,
Nina

Newsletter Nr.12

April 27, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

God is in the details

When was the last time you really paid attention to the world of detail? Zoom in on the texture of handmade paper, the sharpness of tiny print, the evenness of a handmade stitch… Fascinating, isn’t it? After a while you not only see the “things” , but also the spaces between “things”. The empty spaces with their shapes are just as important as the “things” themselves – when both are right, the piece of work gets that special air of completeness about it.
After looking at the spaces between little things, you zoom out and see the world anew. The spaces between things are everywhere. In the branches of a tree, in your breathing, in your relations, between thoughts.

De Kleine Johannes

De Kleine Johannes is a publication by Atelier De Ganzenweide. It’s a beautifully printed story, written in 1885 by Frederik van Eeden (1860-1932). The book is available in sections for bookbinding, at Nina Judin Books.
Miniature books

Miniature books are “not larger than 3 inches (approximately 7,5 cm)”, which makes them a very easily storaged collector’s item – and a wonderful challenge to bookprinters and bookbinders! Catharijne Press Miniature Books is a publishing company and bookshop specialized in miniature books. Their publications are now also available at Nina Judin Books, as bound miniature books, and as loose sheets for the bookbinder. Come and find your favourite amongst these little treasures!

For more information about the fascinating world of miniature books in general, take a look at the Minature Book Society website, here.

Opening Spring Exhibition at the Studio on Sunday 8th May, at 15.00 ~ 19.00

Welcome on Sunday 8th May to the Opening of ‘The Spring Exhibition’ – Ninas Books are there to be viewed, and the walls carry gouaches and collages by Job de Vries. The exhibition is on until the end of July, but time has a tendency to fly by, so don’t wait too long…Better to come to the opening itself at 15.00 – 19.00!

Job’s colourful, poetic worlds are unmissable. On the bookish side of things the long-awaited Portrait Book and The Great Little Elephant Book (a collaboration with Wouter Bijlsma) are just a few of the new works on show.

Luca

Talking about miniature… My personal life has been enriched with a very young, hairy companion with four paws and a tail. He’s got his own basket in the Studio – so the parchment and leather move to a higher shelf!

Totally, fully enjoy life
Nina

Newsletter Nr.11

March 27, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

Good morning, World!

Wintersleep is over, time for a new sunny period of fun and play. The Bookworks Studio has been humming with working vibes through the winter, and soon it will be time to publish the results. But patience, patience!

Anna

Anna Searle, my apprentice, is spreading her wings and flying on at the end of this month. As a farewell there is an exhibition of her dreamscape-photographic work in the Studio. Come and see it (Tue-Fri 12.00 – 18.00 and by appointment) before the end of April. Here’s a bit of her own thinking about her work:

“I am interested in fitting together pieces of what is readily available, be it found images, objects, or texts. My goal is that the work affects the viewer by evoking a sense of disorientation, a mixture of recognition and mystery. In this space, I explore the line between freedom and fear, solitude and isolation, memory and experience, deterioration and reconstruction.
The Being There series is a collection of landscapes that I created using re-photographed collages. I used these images to expose light-sensitive plates, which I then printed on Japanese mulberry paper. This method recreates the look of the photogravure process while being far less labor-intensive and toxic. The vistas are shown from the point of view of the mind’s eye, looking into the exterior world that offers both freedom and emptiness.”

Nordiska Bokband 2005

If you’re planning a trip to the Nordic countries , try to synchronise your journey with the movements of the exhibition Nordiska Bokband 2005 – an exhibition showing modern bindings from Danish, Finnish, Islandic, Norwegian and Swedish bookbinders. Yes, yes, my binding is there. The tour opens on 20th March (until 10th April) in Gallery Astley in Uttersberg, Sweden. On 15th April the bindings are exhibited at the Art Academy in Stockholm until 8th May.
10 May – 21 May Kulturhuset, Stockholm.
10 June – 19 August Reykjavik, Iceland
30 September – 30th October Danish Media Museum, Odense, Denmark
17 November – 4 December Artindusty Museum, Kopenhagen
2- 22 January 2006 Sanoma-centre, Helsinki, Finland
March – April 2006 Trondheim and Oslo, Norway
For more information you can e-mail Bokbindarmästareföreningen i Stockholm at bmf@grafiska.se

Summer workshops and Monday classes

The schedule for summer workshops has been published. Mail for a more detailed description. Monday evening classes will begin in April – an earlier start than originally planned, due to gently enthousiastic wishes from eager bookbinders.
No philosophical stuff from me this time, too much in awe with the awakening spring!

Take care, enjoy life.
Nina

Newsletter Nr.10

February 26, 2005 in Newsletters | No comments

On inner riches vs. outer noise

Such wonderful inventions we can enjoy nowadays. The world of communication is constantly pushing its limits. Perhaps soon it will have no limits and the circle will close upon itself – people communicating through telepathy again, with the aid of technology.

But do we really want this noise?
We are showered with information every day. The media gives its news boobytrapped with ads, the sides of the streets are one endless collage of traffic signs, ads and shop signs. People spend an awful lot of time talking to keep them safe from silence and themselves.

I was busy as usual but then fell ill with the flu (not nice for a one-woman business). I am reading a lot and communicating much , and have found myself using one ancient technological invention, the book, and the modern goodies, e-mails, mobile phone and telephone, in order to satisfy my curious mind and social nature. As the silence goes on I have found myself ‘diving for pearls within myself’. It became a retreat, a time set aside from everyday life, for cocooning and for looking into the essence of things.

You can enrich your inner world by choice. You don’t have to be overwhelmed with the noise of fashion and advertisement (the latter I’m slowly beginning to consider a crime against humanity, which makes me a part-time criminal). The means are at your reach. Invite a friend to dinner. Do a websearch on an intriguing subject. Take yourself on an adventure to a place you’ve never been before. Create something, anything, with the tools and materials you already have. There is wonderful poetry, philosophy, literature and music to enjoy. Mindblowing scientific inventions, films and art are just waiting for your attention, and beautiful souls to connect with are right behind the faces all around you.

These are no revolutionary thoughts, just reminders of quality and beauty that are within reach by choice.

PS. All you performing artists out there, go and do your general rehearsal in a hospital or an elderly home – they’ll love it!

EXHIBITION

Books as intimate objects of art and paintings inspired by music. The works by Nina Judin and Jeanne Wesselius are exhibited at the Buitenveldert Library, Amsterdam throughout the month of February*, during library open hours. Go and see it, tell it to your friends! And naturally, I’d like to hear what you think of what you saw.
(* Ninas books from 7th february, delayed by flu.)
Bibliotheek Buitenveldert, Willem van Weldammelaan 5, Amsterdam. Open on Mondays and Thursdays 14-20, Wednesdays and Fridays 10-17, Saturdays 11-16 and Sundays 13-16.

ANNA

To those who didn’t get my previous Newsletter, and as a general reminder, Anna is my helpful, happy apprentice. Here’s a message from her:

“I’ve been exploiting Nina’s recent germ-imposed hibernation to have a little book-making retreat of my own in the studio. I’m just making a series of small, blank books to hone my skills, but as I go through the quiet motions of folding, cutting, and sewing, I’ve been thinking about my experience with Nina in the bindery, and about my experience in Amsterdam in general. My conclusion at this point is that it’s great to surprise and impress other people, but it’s far better to surprise and impress yourself. I hope that, wherever I go from here, I can continue to do both.”

GREAT PHOTOS ON THE STUDIO WALLS

From Saturday 8th January to Sunday 27th February 2005 the portrait photos by Jasper Groen are on show in the Studio during opening hours of the Studio (Tue-Fri 12-18). Groen’s subject, the teenager, is portrayed very accurately: the ego is worn as a mask , and something soft and tender can be seen just under the surface. Perhaps it’s the surroundings of the teenager – in his or her own room – that reveals the true background of the model. Come and see it while you can!

Enjoy life – write about it in a book.

Nina

Newsletter Nr.9

December 26, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

END OF THE YEAR

The days are short, staying indoors is suddenly very appealing and the countdown to Christmas has begun. I am emerging out of a fairly busy period, now enjoying slowing down towards the end of the year. It’s been a year of changes and challenges. Moving the Studio to its new location somehow marked the start of a new period. It is like growing and getting a new set of clothes that fit.
The challenge remains the same: slowing down. When you’re having fun, it’s very tempting to say ‘yes’ to even more goodies, i.e. inspiring work. But to all of you readers a word of warning: do reserve buffer time to yourself, make some hours truly holy.

On looking at the “fruit” of our work

Very often we see each others’ work and forget that it’s actually the end product we’re looking at. Before the book, the painting, the house or the car was there, the person behind it (be it the maker or the proud owner of it ) has gone a long way to achieve it. Remember that each and every one of us has mostly gone through quite some personal trouble to achieve success. And you can’t get anywhere without taking some real steps. Stop dreaming about it, get into doing.

Stop thinking and talking about it and there is nothing you will not be able to know.
- Zen

I like to suspend ideas between two poles, that appear to be the opposites of eachother. So here’s the other side of the coin:

When looking at creative work, I judge it for two aspects.
1. technical: how successful is the work in it’s function regarding the choise of materials, size, structure and craftmantship?
2. artistic: does the work have anima – an inherent spirit?

On top of these two come all sorts of personal preferences that make us think of things as ugly or beautiful – we like a certain format, colour, material more than another. But the next time you go to an exhibition, try to really look. True beauty lies in the wholeness of a thing. When all the things mentioned (above under point 1.) fit, and when there is a degree of daring from the artist, that’s when I call the work successful.

But to become a master one needs to practice. And the master, too, practices.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.
- Les Brown

BOOK ARTS FAIR, LEIDEN – report

On the 20th and 21st November, the Handboekbindersliga organised a book arts fair in Pieterskerk , Leiden. Like every year, it was the event of the year to do one’s tools- and materials shopping and to catch up with people. This year there was also a new group of exhibitiors, collected under the theme Artist’s Books. I enjoyed the relaxed, warm atmosphere and meeting old and new colleagues, suppliers and customers. A successful weekend, well done!

ANNA

Some things happen very easily. Like thinking: “Gee, I could use the help of an extra pair of hands in the Studio”, and receiving a very polite e-mail requesting a place for apprenticeship within the week. After working together successfully for a small period of time now, let me introduce you to…

Hello. My name is Anna Clare Searle and I recently began assisting Nina in her studio, helping with her work and making my own as well. I received my B.F.A. from the University of Notre Dame in the U.S. in May, concentrating in photography and printmaking. I moved to Amsterdam shortly thereafter with the hopes of continuing to make art as well as to meet other artists here.

I first discovered bookmaking as an art form when I took a class called “Artist’s Books and Papermaking” at university. Though in the beginning it was a completely different (and difficult) way of working from my usual flat surface, I quickly recognized the medium’s possibilities for my own art. I tend to work in series or groups of images, so the book, sitting at the intersection of 2D, 3D and time-based media, provides me with an ideal way of collecting and presenting them. In addition, I am fascinated by the history of books, and their relationships with time, memory, and knowledge. By working with Nina, I hope both to augment my knowledge of bookbinding skills and practice and also to continue investigating the book form for use in my work.

At the moment I am soaking in all that Nina is teaching me at our meetings and beginning to plan out projects for the future. In the meantime, some of my recent work is on display at Walls Gallery, Prinsengracht 737, Amsterdam. A few images are available on their website: http://www.walls.nl/exposities/15/311.html. I am looking to start some collaborative projects with other artists, especially writers, so if you might be interested, please email me.

PHOTOS ON THE STUDIO WALLS

From Saturday 8th January to Sunday 27th February 2005 the portrait photos by Jasper Groen will be on show in the Studio. Groen’s subject, the teenager, is portretted very accurately: the ego is worn as a mask , and something soft and tender can be seen just under the surface. Perhaps it’s the surroundings of the teenager – in his or her own room – that’s revealing the true background of the model.

STUDIO OPEN…

For those nearby : I’m in the atelier at set times, Tuesday to Friday from 12.00 to 18.00, and you’re welcome to come and take a look at the books we’ve made. It is and remains a working atelier, though, so if you’re coming from a longer distance, it is advisable to make an appointment to make sure I’m not in the middle of a major gluing-session while You expect a show-and-tell of the books.

WISHING YOU A WARM, PEACEFUL AND FUN HOLIDAY SEASON, MAY IT BE FULL OF LOVE.

Enjoy life – write about it in a book.

Nina

Newsletter Nr.8

October 26, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

ARTIST’S BOOKS

What is my work about? Let me share my view about Books As Art.

In the beginning there was The Word…no, really. For communication. Then books were made, to carry that communication on, without having to rely on the memory of oral storytellers. The first books were made of clay, later on leather, papyrus, vellum and paper. Nowadays we also have computers, a whole new world of digital communication, wonderful. When I was studying, some people would question the logic in my choice of profession. If computers were going to take over anyway, who would need a bookbinder? The good news is: with computers taking on the role of information carriers, the book is freed for art!

Inspiration:
During my studies at Roehampton Institute (now Surrey University, London) we would visit museums and libraries to see authentic historical bookbindings. The ragged, twisted, stitched, stained, well-worn books blew my mind – the creative storyteller in me would get high on the visual inspiration these objects gave. Books with hand-painted angels from Ethiopia. Hand-written medieval books from Europe – especially those from 1100-1300, in pathced, soft pastel coloured (now dirty) chemises, with their wooden covers, furnished with metal studs. An Armenian book with its curious back (scored with blind-tooled stripes along the back). Islamic books! Beautiful, detailed filigree work, in- and outside. Batak-books, made from the bark of trees, hammered to ‘sheets’. The list goes on.

Crossroads:
So I thought I’d be a bookrestorer. Work aplenty, and I would get to handle beautiful books. To cut a long story short, I was too slow as a restorer. I always got stuck just looking at the books… and my boss would shout “Faster! Faster!” and I’d snap out of yet another Indiana Jones- storyline spinning in my mind.

Later I found I could combine my passion for exploring materials, my love for historical bookstructures, the ever-babbling storyteller and visual arts – ta-daah! Books As Art.

A little bit of philosophy:
And here’s a concept to think about while waiting for sleep: could ‘a book’ be a metaphor for a person? The story of a book, the story of a person…personality. There is a plot in both, in the book and in the man. Then, the body. The binding structure and materials of a book. Chunky or slim? Earthy or etheral? It doesn’t really matter, just as long as it fits – the Dutch say het klopt. The word kloppen has in its pronunciation the essence of “fitting”. And last but not least, the covering materials – or the clothes, colours and materials of ones’ choice.
You see, there is not such a big difference between a person and a book after all…

PORTRAIT BOOKS

Read me – an artist’s book as selfportrait

Christel Harms, Nina Judin and Roswitha Witten exhibit their books in an installation-exhibition. The autobiographic books with illustrations and their special bindings, set individually in their own surroundings, can be viewed, read and experienced…later. Due to date-mixing factors beyond our power, the exhibition is postponed to February 2005. We wholeheartedly invite you to come and see our creations in Amsterdam, write it down already! You will be reminded.

WORKSHOPS

For the eager bookbinding workshopper: the full schedule for workshops in 2004-2005 is now online. Early next year the summer and fall workshops will be published, so keep on checking that website! You can always mail me for more information.

BOOK ARTS FAIR, LEIDEN

On the 20th and 21st November, the Handboekbindersliga organises a book arts fair in Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church), Leiden. Come and say hello, take a look at books , do your Christmas shopping, get inspired!

DESIGNER BOOKBINDERS (UK) AT THE BIBLIOTHECA WITTOCKIANA

the following text is taken from the Designer Bookbinders website

Designer Bookbinders at the
Bibliotheca Wittockiana 2004–05

This is not only the first major exhibition that Designer Bookbinders has shown in Europe for almost twenty years, but it is also the largest in terms of the number of bindings on display. There are just over ninety pieces of work in the exhibition which comprises of work from twenty-seven of the exhibiting Fellows and Licentiates, including bindings from established Fellows to those recently elected, together with bindings from Alec Taylor’s collection. None of the bindings have been exhibited in Europe before, and this collection of new work demonstrates a variety of personal styles from bindings that could be described as employing a traditional approach, to contemporary designs that explore a variety of materials and structures.
The exhibition is open from the 25 September 2004 until
23 January 2005, at the Bibliotheca Wittockiana, 21, rue du Bemel, B-1150 Bruxelles.
Opening times are 10 – 5, Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Enojy life – write about it in a book.

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.7

September 26, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

Linear / spiral life

Hello friends. Greetings from Finland. I not only got back to my roots, but this time seems like I managed to take them with me on my return to the Netherlands. Something that had been locked away, forgotten under the layers of fast living, re-emerged. The core of the Maker, the key to “why”.

We tend to think that life is linear, but it seems to move in spirals, returning to the same themes, on a higher level. The little streams of your life merge into a great river. Result? Fulfillment, relaxation, a more peaceful flow of life. “Go with the flow” they say, and “Swimming against the stream is hard”. Well, doing both at the same time is possible. Life flows in all directions, just follow your heart corageously and you will see.

The big move

The Studio moved with helping hands from friends – thank you all who were there! The new atelier is a lovely working space for feasts of creativity. The gallery side of it is still shaping itself, and will ripen in its time.

Workshops

The autumn workshops are starting again! The first is paper decoration on 16th September. See www.ninajudin.com under “Agenda” for more information.

Open Day III to a later date

Due to abundance of activities, the Open Day of my atelier (planned for 24.10.) is postponed to a later date.

Book Arts Fair, Leiden

On the 20th and 21st November this year the Handboekbindersliga organises a book arts fair in Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church), Leiden. Don’t miss it!

Enojy life!

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.6

June 26, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

The power of collaborating.
Joining forces makes life more fun, and I do believe that skills joined add up to more than their sum.

In my last Newsletter I wrote about a charity exhibition in Gallery Poort. Well, the primus motor, YvonneMaya, gets all the points for a job well done. Thanks to her inspiring invitation, 19 artists joined in. Not only was it a feast for the eyes and good karma for the buyers, but the feeling of togetherness was like one heart beating. This action joined us with eachother and with the women in India. The project will go on as “Art for Nagwa” at Yvonnes’ site.

Another collaboration bore fruit earlier this month. My website has been renewed! Thanks to the technical skills and subtle hints about visual factors from Hans, it’s looking even better than I ever imagined (and that’s good!). See here. Comments on the site, the work and the Newsletter are welcomed.

The big move

It is time… The Studio will move from its current location on Spaarndammerstraat to a new space just around the corner, Knollendamstraat 9. Obviously the gods are pro Studio to make the move so easy! The moving and going to visit my roots in Finland are both happening in August, therefore it will be my holiday month. The Studio is back in business again from 1st September.

Have fun!

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.5

May 22, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

Dear All,

the fifth Newsletter is here. As is sun, fun and good vibes. No philosophical stuff this time, just ENJOY. Everything.

NEWS

Fresh

The second Open Day was a success. Beautiful books, lots of people and interesting meetings took place at the Studio on Sunday 2nd May. I was happy to see many of our visitors spending a long time thoughtfully leafing into the books of eight exhibitors and then staying for a chat.
The next Open Day will be on 23. and 24. October.

Charity exhibition

On 26th and 27th June the Amstelveen Open Ateliers route gives you a view behind all those art-creating doors. Galerie Poort (Gallery The Gate) at Amsterdamseweg 24, Amstelveen will be open on both days from 11.00 to 17.00, and will treat your eyes, mind and soul with a special benefit exhibition. 18 artists put their work on sale, donating 25 to 60% of the selling price to Nagwa Foundation, a charity organisation supporting women in India who are victims of violence because of insuficcient dowry. See Nagwa and YvonneMaya for more information.

Workshops

The new workshop schedule is ready and available. Workshops will be given at the Studio (Amsterdam) and in Amstelveen. During the summer break it is possible to organise a customised workshop for 5 people at the Studio. Please e-mail for the workshop schedule and further details on a customised workshop, a day or two of intensive inspiration.

* * *

Have fun!

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.4

April 21, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

Dear Friend,

time flies when having fun. Also when not – lately I’ve been diving into thoughts, in order to find out some “truths”, whilst working, cooking and generally doing my daily stuff.

The good news is: at some point the thought-milling is enough. A moment comes when I can conclude that I really don’t know what The World Out There is up to and stop wondering about it. Like closing the tap, shutting a book or turning out the television. Enough.

This remains. I see clouds in the sky and comes the thought “Wow, there are so many kinds. And of flowers too. Did Creation worry about getting appreciation and respect for the work?”. I think there was inspiration, having fun creating for the sake of creation, in multiple variations, discovering appliances and connections as the work proceeded.

Sometimes I get stuck. Judgement limits my flight and I thud to ground safely, learnt to fall well with all the practice. But this time I jump back into flight, realising that also I am materia for creativity. This mindset and body, what can I do with it now?

************************

FRESH – OPEN HOUSE II at BookWorksStudio Nina Judin on Sunday 2nd May

Unique, handmade books. Books as art. Art in bookform.
A selling exhibition from several book artists with the theme FRESH to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of summer. From 11.00 to 17.00 at the BookWorks Studio, Spaarndammerstraat 143, Amsterdam.

WORKSHOPS

‘The archaic book’ (1 day) 15.5. Studio
The day begins with a show&tell about ‘other’ bookforms than our codex – tablets, rolls, cones etc., made in various media. This is a kick-off for your creativity; make a Book Beyond, The archaic book. E-mail for more info.

BOOKS available at the Studio (also on commission) and at Forma Interieurs, Utrechtsestraat 81-85, Amsterdam.

JEWELLERY AND BOOKS by Antar now available in the Studio, come and see it!

This is the fourth Newsletter. They will be emerging at irregular intervals… Fun things don’t want deadlines! You’re on the mailing list now, but if you wish to be removed from it, please let me know.

ENJOY

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.3

March 24, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

PATIENCE is essential. I had a good conversation with Soo yesterday. She was wondering why things take such a long time from idea to materialisation. There seems to be a lag of several months, sometimes years, between a sparkling concept arriving and it really being there, in a form we can see, hear, touch. But patience is good. It allows the good things to ripen, get richer, pregnant with their own essence. With time the unneccessary falls off, and all those bits and pieces that were restlessly jumping all over the place, settle. Have patience, slow down. Get back to the essence, listen to Silence.

INSPIRATION flows. New materials, techniques and old philosophies are gently mixing in the Studio. At the moment I’m colouring paper, exploring metal and reading about a japanese philosophy of making – it’s called wabi-sabi. According to wabi-sabi, all things are in constant movement, either emerging from, or degrading to nothingness. Old concepts are degrading, new fresh ideas emerging as I loosen my grip on “knowing”. Intuition moves in, to work hand in hand with experience. Goals are fine, but only by letting go of expectations we give space to magic to happen.

Open House I was a success. We had an estimated 50 to 60 visitors over the two days. Some were content with seeing the exhibition, others stayed and had a chat and tea. We had such a good time that we’re doing it again – come and see it! The third Open House will be held in October this year.

OPEN HOUSE II
at BookWorksStudio Nina Judin on Sunday 2nd May. Unique, handmade books. Books as art. Art in bookform. A selling exhibition from several book artists with the theme FRESH to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of summer. From 11.00 to 17.00 at the BookWorks Studio.

OUR BOOKS
They are special, each one is a one-of-a-kind! Come and see them at my Studio (I’m mostly there…but it’s a good idea to make an appointment to be sure) or at Forma Interieurs on Utrechtsestraat 81-85, Amsterdam.

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.2

February 20, 2004 in Newsletters | No comments

MAY YOUR YEAR BE FILLED WITH INSPIRATION! The holidays are over and every-day life is on full gear again…

* * *

You’re invited to BookWorks Studio Nina Judin OPEN HOUSE
on Saturday 14. and Sunday 15. February from 11.00 to 17.00 !!!

Unique, handmade books. Books as art. Art in bookform.

An old craft with a fresh twist.

INSPIRATION an exhibition of unique bindings
INFORMATION about workshops and handbound books
MEETING come and share your moment with us! Refreshments&good vibes

Handmade books by Soo Haywood, Peter Hertel, Nina Judin and Roswitha Witten are on display (it’s a selling exhibition) for these two days in the Studio. This is a special opportunity to see books from several bookartists in one space!

Welcome!

BookWorks Studio Nina Judin, Spaarndammerstraat 143 (Westerpark), Amsterdam

en hetzelfde in nederlands…

BookWorks Studio Nina Judin houdt OPEN HUIS op zaterdag 14. en zondag 15. Februari 2004 van 11.00 tot 17.00 u

Unieke, handgemaakte boeken, het boek als kunstwerk, kunst in boekvorm.

An old craft with a fresh twist.

INSPIRATIE een expositie van unieke boekbanden
INFORMATIE over workshops van handboekbinden
INFORMEEL kom en laat je verrassen! Een drankje staat klaar.

Handgemaakte boeken van Soo Haywood, Peter Hertel, Nina Judin en Roswitha Witten zijn te zien (en te kopen) deze twee dagen in de Studio. Dit is een bijzondere kans om boeken van meerdere boekkunstenaars onder één dak te zien.

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WORKSHOPS Here’s my agenda of workshops in and around Amsterdam for the Spring semester 2004. For registrations and more information you can e-mail me.

Japanese binding (1 day) 20.3.SAKB

A very elegant, traditionally thin book, with flexible covers decorated with japanese paper, sewn with colourful silk or flax thread. This binding is suitable for poetry, calligraphy, adress books and other things to thoughtfully leaf in.

Wrapper book (2 days) 27. – 28.3.Studio

A soft, decorative one-section notebook with leather covers that wrap around the book. It can be made with rigid or flexible covers. With leather decoration and a closing strap. For short stories and loveletters.

Long-stitch binding (2 days) 3.-4.4.Studio

Possibly the best binding structure for beginners and fun to make, this book is well suited for journals, diaries and your own manuscript books. The book will have flexible leather covers , the sewing threads are visible on the spine – hence the name.

Coptic binding (2 days) 17. – 18.4.SAKB and 24. – 25.5. Studio

A beautiful bookbinding structure, where the sewing patterns are left visible and contribute to the look of the book. Very well suited for manuscripts, sktetches and as a visitors book. This book can be made any size and format, the thicker the better.

‘The archaic book’ (1 day) 15.5. Studio

A talk about books from other cultures (palm leaf binding, books of metal and wood etc),then making your own artist’s book, inspired by these exotic binding structures. A day for living out your creativity limitlessly!

BOOKS FROM BookWorksStudio Nina Judin -
WHERE CAN YOU FIND THEM?

Love at first sight. Forma Interieurs on Utrechtsestraat 81-85, Amsterdam now has a collection of BWSNJ books in their selection of beautiful things for a home with good vibes. I love their shop, they love my books. At the moment I’m busy making a brand new collection for them, inspired on the japanese zen-philosophy. Forma is showcasing books with wooden and leather covers, blanco books with character.

A trusted friend. Pilat&Pilat interieurmakers at KNSM-laan in Amsterdam have ‘a family’ of BWSNJ-books with wooden covers. These make a special gift, books that want to be held.

Enjoy!

with all (and only) the best wishes,

Nina

Newsletter Nr.1

November 26, 2003 in Newsletters | No comments

Happy greetings! It’s November – days are getting shorter fast. A lot is happening, and I’d like to share the news with You. This is the very first Newsletter, they will be emerging at irregular intervals… Fun things don’t want deadlines. You’re on the mailing list now, but if you wish to be removed from it, please let me know.

NEWS NEWS NEWS

Studio The bindery, originally in the corner of the bedroom, took over the space, leaving a corner for the bed. I was very happy to be offered the atelier I have now, at Spaarndammerstraat 143 (Amsterdam). There’s enough table space to give workshops, or to work on multiple projects simultaneously. My press, a table top Dryad that looked big in the bedroom, is looking it’s normal size again.

Books
This is what it’s all about. Books with wooden covers, leather, high quality papers. Miniature books, jewellery books, pocket size books, big books. I’m enjoying my commission bindings, and there’s an interesting twist to them this year. I design the book – so that the materials,structure and colours are in harmony with eachother, and in harmony with the format and function of the book. But then another book ‘makes itself’ and is totally fitting, beautiful and whole in regard to its purpose. So I end up making doubles; one (the ‘born by itself’ book) goes to the customer, the ‘thought book’ lingers on in the Studio until it is finished, and then finds its place in the world. The books get better and better.

Exhibitions
There’s an ongoing exhibition of my books at KunstZaak (1ste Sweelinckstraat 22, Amsterdam); unique bindings and artists books. It’s well worth checking out! The collection ranges from handwritten and -painted manuscript books to a selection of notebooks with anima, a life of their own… There’s time, until 1st of January 2004.
Pilat&Pilat interieurmakers at KNSM-laan in Amsterdam carry a handsome collection of my books with wooden covers. These make a special gift, books that want to be held.
The books are like their maker, they also like to travel every now and then. Ten books took to Dresden, Germany, where they are a part of the exhibition ‘Mosaik’ at Gallery Blue Child. The opening was on 15th November.

Workshops
In addition to giving workshops in the Studio, I’m now also teaching a course in Amstelveen. A small group is getting an introduction to the world of the Manuscript Book, with its backgroud and contemporary forms. For the coming spring I’ve planned workshops with inspiring subjects, for the Studio workshops and for Amstelveen. New subjects are introduced! Please contact me for the whole schedule.

Enjoy!

with all (and only) the best wishes

Nina

We tend to think that life is linear, but it seems to move in spirals, returning to the same themes, on a higher level.
 – NJ04