Leah Virsik » Classes

Defining My Work

Leah — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:39:29 +0000

mixed-media book: (running stitch) paper, thread, wallpaper, beads, button, eyelet, elastic
2 5/8″ x 3″ x 3/4″ ©2010 Leah Virsik

My books are getting smaller and smaller lately. I’m using up scraps of paper, mostly and preparing for a class at SCRAP on Saturday, July 10th from 1:00 to 4:00. More details soon!

Still working through Alyson B. Stanfield’s Relatively Pain-free Artist Statement e-book. I’m on a tough question about categorizing my work. And partly I think because I have two different things I do… books and abstract paintings… which at times overlap. Currently, my book focus has been on binding books by hand. Some of my books are one-of-a-kind artist’s books but many are blank books. My blank books are one-of-a-kind as well with emphasis primarily on the cover and the binding. I really feel like I’m in the middle of my creative process and I’m not quite sure which direction I’ll go. I’d like to create more artist’s books but I also get a lot of satisfaction out of quickly making a handbound book. Lately, I’ve been making books as examples that I can teach.

My abstract paintings, abstract expressionism for lack of a better classification, consist of many layers and elements, including paper, paint drippings and eggshells. I work on them without intention until I feel they are done. I’m motivated by color and texture and how they interact with each other on the substrate. My books on the other hand have a very specific intention, measurement and precision. Lately, I’ve been experimenting a lot with sewing, embroidery, and quilting, incorporating these elements into my books. I try to work fast with a relaxed focus… working with the piece as it develops.

Make Your Own Simple Handbound Journal: February 7

Leah — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:33:24 +0000

Raid Your Office Supplies! Make Your Own Simple Handbound Journal
Time: Sunday, February 7, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (1/2 hour break for lunch, bring a bag lunch if desired)
Where: Frank Bette Center for the Arts
1601 Paru Street, (at Lincoln) Alameda, CA 94501
Fee: $45 members, $60 non-members. Plus $10 materials fee
(pay materials fee at workshop)
Click here to sign up via PayPal at the Frank Bette site.

In this class for beginners, you’ll create your own 3-section “pamphlet stitch” journal from commonly available office supplies including file folders, envelopes and paper clips. You’ll sew the sections, attach eyelets to the spine and secure your book with an elastic band or a button and string. You’ll then add elements to the cover and inside to make it your own. Take home your own unique handbound journal and a one-section mini-postcard book.

What to Bring: ruler, scissors, glue stick, pencil, a cutting mat and a bone folder. Also, bring a 4″ x 6″ piece of cardstock (or postcard) for a cover for a mini-book. Optional: Bring any elements you’d like to include in your book to personalize it. Some examples are: canceled stamps, rubber stamps, stickers, paper clips, ribbon, old receipts, shopping list, scraps of paper and handwritten notes. Limit these things to 5 1/2″ high. White inside pages and some ephemera will be provided.

About the instructor: Leah Virsik enjoys making books and painting. She has a passion for paper and bookbinding and daydreams about art when she’s not actually making it. She creates books out of new and repurposed materials and works with paper, fabric, plastic, metal, acrylic and collage. Learn more about her and her work by visiting www.leahvirsik.com.

Artful Mail Workshop

Leah — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:50:17 +0000

Make Your Own Artful Mail
In this workshop, you’ll collage, paint and sew your own postcards, make your own various-sized handmade envelopes and learn how to make a button and string closure for an envelope with eyelets and brads. The pieces you’ll create can potentially be mailed, framed, hung or put into a book at a later date. The possibilities are endless!

When: Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bring a bag lunch, we’ll break for a half hour to eat.

Where: Frisbie Street Art Studio, 204 Frisbie St., Oakland, CA 94611 (Click address for google map) Frisbie St. is an alternative art space in Oakland, CA for artists to exhibit their work and for the community to gather to enjoy and create art together.

Cost: $55 (includes $10 for supplies) Reserve your spot by sending a check to Leah Virsik, 3934 Madrone Avenue, Oakland, CA 94619 or online via PayPal to leah@leahvirsik.com. Payment is processed as it is received. You will receive an email confirming registration. You can cancel up to a week prior with a refund of fees paid, less a $10 cancellation fee. Sorry, no refunds on cancellations with less than one week notice. If the class is sold out or canceled, your payment will be returned.

What to Bring: ruler, scissors, pencil, bone folder, glue stick and/or double-sided tape, eraser (I like Staedtler Mars Plastic)

Optional things to bring: a favorite envelope size to use as a template, punch, awl, cutting mat, fabric scraps, yarn, sewing machine, thread, favorite art supplies, paper for envelopes and collage: good ideas are scrapbook paper, wallpaper, junk mail, maps, large book pages, patterned paper, magazines, etc.

What will be provided: envelope templates from A7 to itty bitty, crayons, watercolors, brushes, glue, watercolor paper for postcards, a sewing machine or two, punches, fabric scraps, paper for envelopes, glue stick, double-sided tape, magazines, spray glue for thin papers, needles for sewing

Questions: Email Leah Virsik or call 510-418-9383

Workshop Size: Limited to 7 people

Parking: There is street parking available, please allow ample time before your class to find a parking space.

Art Everyday Month: November 21

Leah — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:44:57 +0000

Purple Landscape, originally uploaded by Leah Virsik.

I had a really good bookbinding class today at Frank Bette Center for the Arts and looking into setting up another one for next year. I am super tired and looking forward for bed.

Here’s another landscape in my postcard series. I’ll be sewing my quilt squares together tomorrow and going to go to an estate sale! Oh, and yoga and sewing lab at Rock Paper Scissors Collective.

Oakland Frisbie St. Bookbinding Class: Aug 30

Leah — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:29:58 +0000

Pamphlet stitch book from office supplies, originally uploaded by Leah Virsik.

Raid Your Office Supplies! Make Your Own Simple Handbound Journal

In this class for beginners, you’ll create your own 3-section “pamphlet stitch” journal from commonly available office supplies including file folders, envelopes and paper clips. You’ll sew the sections, attach eyelets to the spine and secure your book with an elastic band. You’ll then add elements to the cover and inside to make it your own.

When: Sunday, August 30, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 Reserve your spot by sending a check to Leah Virsik, 3934 Madrone Avenue, Oakland, CA 94619 or online via PayPal to leah@leahvirsik.com. Payment is processed as it is received. You will receive an email confirming registration. You can cancel up to a week prior with a refund of fees paid, less a $10 cancellation fee. Sorry, no refunds on cancellations with less than one week notice. If the class is sold out or canceled, your payment will be returned.

What to Bring: ruler, scissors, glue stick, pencil, a cutting mat and a bone folder (available for around $7 at Michaels, Dick Blick and Paper Source.) Optional: Bring any elements you’d like to include in your book to personalize it. Some examples are: canceled stamps, rubber stamps, stickers, paper clips, old receipts, shopping list, scraps of paper and handwritten notes. Some materials will be provided.

Questions: Email Leah Virsik or call 510-418-9383

Workshop Size: 8-10 people

Parking: There is street parking available, please allow ample time before your class to find a parking space.