Interview: Book Binding

Yes, there is definitely a connection. I help run the Anchor Archive Zine Library in Halifax (and still make zines of my own) and we have an amazing variation of zines and books that push the definition of each of those words in terms of how they look and how they are constructed. I like the idea of making photocopied self-published works with a handmade personal touch, and using traditional craft skills like bookbinding in ways that were not intended or expected. Also this type of hands-on workshop promotes skill sharing and DIY, which is an essential part of self-publishing as well.

I like that creating reading material, documents, can be an autonomous endeavor, and this opens up all kinds of new possibilities. I'm interested in using bookbinding in unexpected, perhaps even subversive ways. Can you give a few examples?

Hmmm.. I think that lots of zine makers and book artists are creating work that uses different methods and materials, pushing the envelope of what people expect out of a book or how they interact with one. I've seen examples, but can't really think of artists offhand. I encourage people to come see what we've got at the zine library, as a start.

Also I think that teaching a skill like bookbinding is an interesting act all in itself - folks are in an environment where they are actively making something, with many other people, some for the first time, and helping each other along. And at the end - they have a blank book to fill with whatever they want, something functional to urge creativity along.

What is the selection process (if any) for the zine library?

No selection process, really, short of keeping out anything that's offensive (ie racist, sexist, homophobic, etc). “Zine” is a fairly ambiguous term that usually describes all kinds of photocopied booklets made by one or a few people non-commercially, but really we collect all kinds of books, art books, even posters, pamphlets, ephemera, etc. I like having a big range of printed matter for folks to see.

How did the zine library come into being (funding, finding a space, etc.)?

Just over two years ago me and Sonia moved into a house and turned the front room into a zine library with public open hours. It started with our zine collections and it's grown with donations and acquisitions to almost 2000 zines. We have no funding, instead relying on donations, honorariums for teaching zine workshops, and doing everything as cheaply as possible. It's become a centre for other DIY art and activities in Halifax, holding lectures, discussions and screenings and collaborating with other groups in town. Also I've moved out (and the Ink Storm Screenprinting Collective moved in) and we're trying to transform the whole building into a small community arts centre of sorts.

Do you see yourself continuing to give workshops? Why or why not?

Yes, for sure. Zine making workshops have been an important part of Anchor Archive activities, since it gives us a chance to talk about zines with all types of youth and community groups that might never come to our space in the North End. It's a fun simple activity to get everyone making something, whether they like to write or draw or collage or whatever. I'd like to do more bookbinding too, since it's a fun skill also based in craft and handmade art.

We biked here with a plan of doing zine making and bookbinding workshops in small towns along the way, and did one in Musquodoboit Harbour the other night, but it was difficult to organize more workshops than that this time of year, so really we're just on a fun bike ride. I love the window of a workshop as a chance to facilitate learning, in an informal environment.