Handmade books: A creative act
Who is Bindfulness?
I’m Hope Fitzgerald. I’m a creative artist, bookbinder and the business owner behind Bindfulness. I make handbound books, commissioned books and run bookbinding workshops in the Market town of Faversham in Kent, one hour outside London.
Books are a creative act
Most of my books are one of a kind. My fine art background informs my approach to bookbinding and I see making each book as a creative act. I love the variety. I love the simplicity of paper, the complexity of structure, and the puzzle of making it all work together. I am largely self taught and have used my skills as a creative maker to help me work through and improve my skills in the processes of bookbinding. I make mistakes, learn from them, and adapt. There is power in working and learning creatively.
Commissions
Working with customers on specially commissioned books is a joy. I love to work collaboratively, respond to each unique vision and realise it in book form. The outcomes of this process can be magical.
Training
I was awarded my Bachelor’s Degree at Skidmore College in New York, an MA in Fine Art with Distinction at University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Canterbury Christchurch.
The PGCE developed valuable skills in teaching and learning. These are put to good use in planning and facilitating small group bookbinding workshops in Faversham, Kent.
Workshops
As a workshop leader, I celebrate the importance of creative activities for well-being. It is a true joy to provide an opportunity for learning about the wonderful, accessible, and frankly addictive craft that is bookbinding. I always learn something, too. My binders are the best.
My home
I have lived in the wonderful Market town of Faversham on the North Kent coast for more than 25 years with my husband, Mr F.
A few links…
Are you interested in Book Art Projects? Mine is called the Tiny Book Collaboration and it’s a my dream to fill a Briefcase Library with small collaborative handmade books. Join me in filling it up! You can read more about it HERE
Hope to see you sometime! You can contact me HERE and Sign Up for the Bindfulness Newsletter to keep up to date with news and events.