The handmade papers themselves are exquisite and of evenly high quality. Some sparkles and splashes of bright pulp seemed to catch my eye as being often present, contrasted with some very subtle and suggestive earth-toned sheets. Regretfully, I must leave a more extensive review of the individual papers and printing to others. On with the exhibition. The bindings range from design bindings to artists books, with metamorphoses of both.
Creative perspiration is evident throughout.
Recurring themes include the desire to present a sample book, to express the papermakers' craft, to present bookbinding structure using paper, to highlight the papers themselves, and to represent the mills that produced them. Some of the bindings appear more studied while others suggest playfulness. In general, I found my own pleasure drawn more toward the bindings that played with the paper and highlighted its unique and elusive qualities. Nancy Nitzberg's and Robin Howell's bindings seemed exceptionally successful in this regard. On the other hand, Jamie Kamph's and Gabrielle Fox Butler's design leather bindings were beautifully designed, executed and very appropriate as well.