Mob of Two Presents Artists’ Books: Form and Content—A Seven Class Series

Instructors: Mob of Two – Tiana Krahn & Sara L. Press ( artist bio )

Venue: Online (Zoom)

Days and Dates: Fridays, October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, December 5, & 12 of 2025

Time: 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Pacific Time

Skill Level: ALL—prior book art experience expected

Class Description:
This 7-session course will support each student through the creation of their own individual artist’s book – that is, a book that unifies craft and concept into a cohesive whole. We will look at ways that a book’s physical form can reflect and enhance the ideas it “contains.” Materials might inspire a book’s content, or the other way around. This relationship between form and content will be the generative principle for the book you make during our series of classes.

Prior to the first class, students will be given a questionnaire to help generate ideas for their book project if a concept or direction is not yet determined. Students do not need to have a project in mind before the first class. SDBA’s Welcome Letter will be sent approximately two weeks prior to the first class session. The SDBA Welcome Letter will provide a weekly syllabus, along with tool and material information.

During class time, we will look at examples of artist books and the different components that must be harmonized to create a successful work of art. Over the course of the class series, each student will have opportunities to present their work in progress to the group. Instructors and students will explore approaches and give feedback, as a group, for each developing work. This process will be valuable to both the student receiving input about their project, as well as to those giving and observing the feedback, as it will develop students’ skill in thinking about books as complete works of art, and will help them practice the process of being accountable in their own artistic choices. Instructors will also discuss practical aspects such as making mock-ups, where to find tutorials and supplies, and what to put in your colophon.

In between classes, students will source materials on their own (inspired by our class conversations) and will work independently on their projects. We will not be “making” during class time, but will be developing projects conceptually and logistically. Please plan for at least one “making session” per week on your own time in between class sessions.

The final class, will be a “show and tell” session. Each student will by then have made either a unique bookwork or a prototype for an edition, and will have the chance to practice a concise presentation of their work.

Students will be expected to have some prior experience with making book structures and should be comfortable learning new ones on their own time if necessary for their project. They should also come with some ideas for projects from which they will narrow down and commit to one after the first class session.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and some supplies to be provided by registrant. Guidance will be offered in SDBA’s timely Welcome Letter or the teacher’s PDFs.

Class Recordings: Available to all registrants for one month following the last class, January 12, 2025.

Class Fees:
Early Enrollment Program (EEP): $368
Member: $460
Non-member: $535

Early Enrollment Program (EEP) is a member only, non-refundable discount. Join SDBA at checkout for reduced class fees.

EEP Deadline: August 24, 2025
Registration Deadline: September 24, 2025