Mica sometimes referred to, as bookstone is a silicate mineral found throughout the world. You will learn how to use and recognize both natural and composite forms of mica. This workshop will push beyond using mica just as an element in book arts, as we collage pages that will be primarily mica. Our main focus will be using composite mica used in the lampshade industry. These sheets of mica come in several colors, depending on the variety of mica and the binder that holds the sheet together. We will construct our Mica Books exploring various techniques that emphasize the unique qualities of mica.
I will teach an elegant Coptic binding and hinging methods that will enable us push our books to a more sculptural form.
Supply List:
- Ruler
- Awls
- 1-inch foam brush
- Sturdy Scissors
- Brayer
- Bone folders
- Assorted binder clips
- Pencil
- Fine line permanent black marker
- Acrylic paints (few different colors)
- Exacto or matte knife and blades
- Cutting matte
- ¼ inch Flexcut palm chisel
Optional:
- Dremmel stylus (battery powered)
- Thin or light weight collage materials: decorative papers, photos, insect wings, sheet music, old book pages, leafs, feathers, etc. High contrast imagery generally works best.
$20 Kit Fee Includes:
- Assortment of Mica (majority of the fee)
- Waxed linen thread
- Needles
- Drill bits
- PVA glue
- Other misc. materials or tools needed to complete the project
A Little About ME
Daniel Essig was born in St Louis Missouri, studied at Southern Illinois University, Penland School and the University of Iowa. Ten years ago he moved to Asheville North Carolina where he has maintained a full time studio at Grovewood Gallery. Daniel Essig lectures and offers workshops at book centers, craft schools, colleges, artist retreats as well as privately. Dan has created wooden and sculptures books for over 20 years. He is a recipient of the North Carolina Artist Fellowship Grant. Daniel exhibits his work nationally and is in numerous private and public collections. Recently his work has been collected by the Smithsonian Renwick Museum, the University of Iowa Libraries and the Topeka library. Many of Daniel’s sculptural pieces are featured in The Penland Book of Handmade Books.
