The Intricate Craft of Hand-Sequencing Books Revealed

The Community Library Sedona is set to showcase a captivating display of art books crafted by the SeQuence book-making group. The exhibit runs through Saturday, April 19. The opening event kicks off on Saturday, April 5, featuring a demonstration and instructional presentation by group members in the library lobby.

Saveria Judge, a member of SeQuence, elaborated on the group’s name, stating, “When you open up a book and you see a section that’s usually a fold, that section then gets put into the binding. Those elements, each one of those folded over sheaves, are the sequences.” Victoria Norton, another member, highlighted the term “signature” as key in their process, adding, “Everything is done in sequence.”

The group began approximately eight years ago, founded by Judge, Sid Freeman, Elma Jean, Ann Alexander, and Christine Trevino. Initially, they met every three months for workshops, with members teaching each other skills. “We don’t have any professional teachers because we’re semi-professionals ourselves,” Norton said. “Working with fellow artists brings out your A-game, fostering growth through shared knowledge.”

Among the members are professional calligraphers and artists, with Norton teaching at the Sedona Arts Center and Northern Arizona University. “With calligraphy, it started before they made books, so I said I gotta learn how to make books. There’s a logic to it,” she explained.

Creating a book involves a complex sequence of mental and physical steps, according to Norton. She stated, “First, you’ve got to think about what you’re going to do, coordinate the paper to the cover, and consider your theme.” Judge added a personal touch, explaining her intuitive approach to making her own art narratives.

The group consists of around 20 members, with approximately half regularly attending meetings. They are dispersed throughout Yavapai County, and while many hail from Prescott Valley, Freeman emphasized their inclusivity, stating, “We’ll take anybody.” The challenge arises in securing meeting spaces, often requiring them to gather in each other’s homes or studios.

Norton emphasized that the focus of SeQuence is on book-making, noting the rarity of members creating their own paper. “We’ve all done it at least twice,” she explained, but most lean towards utilizing professional-grade materials. “We love paper,” Judge affirmed, while Freeman shared insights on using stretched acrylic for book covers along with other mixed media elements.

The uniqueness of the books on display is evident. For instance, one book features turkey feathers as its spine, while another by Nora Sims uses slumped glass for circular page covers. Groups often incorporate unexpected materials, such as repurposed envelopes, and aim for functionality blended with artistic style.

During the presentation, Freeman demonstrated how to create a simple book using an accordion fold and an insertable paper tab, making it easy to alter. Reflecting on her passion, she stated, “I love making books, and they’re such wonderful gifts. People love them.” Norton’s contribution to the exhibit includes a blue leather journal, designed in a historically accurate manner, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions behind book-making practices.