Louisa Boyd: Bookbinding and Beyond

Louisa trained in Embroidery (BA (Hons) from MMU), making sculptures using sewn bookbinding structures as her final outcomes. Her artistic career since has seen her working with painting, print and sculpture, but her continued interest in the tradition of bookbinding has been integral to developing her portfolio. Between 2010 and 2014 Louisa undertook training from members of the Society of Bookbinders to develop a series of artists books with her prints. The influence of this period of study can still be seen in Louisa’s artwork now which uses many bookbinding materials, processes and tools within it: sewn structures, the use of on-lays, the delights of the Japanese screw punch, different ways to cover a book etc. She will talk about the different ideas behind her work, sharing some of her early artist books as well as more recent artwork and gallery pieces that utilise bookbinding techniques: paintings that use foils and finishing tools, sculptures honed with bone folders, and sculptural and 2d pieces that contain marbling. Her work centres around the persistent human desire to belong with the natural world. She considers environment and how we navigate place in her pieces. Her work features celestial symbols, sacred geometry, natural landmarks and map-like imagery to describe a sense of belonging.

More information and booking details on the Portico website: https://www.theportico.org.uk/event-calendar

This talk is part of the region’s 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Society of Bookbinders in Manchester in 1974.