Genevieve Kaplan: Altered Texts—Obscuring to Reveal

Workshop Description

In this one-day workshop, perfect for all levels, students will follow a step-by-step process to create their own small book of engaging visual-literary erasure.

Beginning with a provided source text (selected by the instructor), we will begin by briefly considering language, themes, and questions that may be useful to inspire our visual work. We will then review published examples of literary and visual altered texts for inspiration, and brainstorm and experiment with methods of creating resonance across letters, words, phrases, colors, and images. Then, we will turn to our own pre-cut pages to plan, enact, and complete our own altered text pamphlet. Each student will plan and produce a single, cohesive, six- to eight-page page altered book, bound with a simple sewn binding.

For those who may undertake a larger altered-book project in the future, the instructor will offer tips and methods for choosing source texts.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Metal ruler
• X-Acto knife or other cutting blade
• Cutting mat
• Bonefolder
• Bookbinding or other needle
• Bookbinding thread or embroidery thread
• Pencil (preferably mechanical)
• PVA or glue stick
• Glue brush (for PVA, if using)
• Awl
• Markmaking tools like crayons, markers, pens, colored pencils, stamps, or acrylic paints, needle and thread (whatever students typically enjoy using)
• Optional:
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors or snips
  • Hole punch (any size, shape)
  • Miscellaneous collage supplies (i.e., photos, sequins, patterned paper bits, ribbon, etc.)

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Handout with examples and step-by-step instructions
• Pre-cut pages
• Markmaking tools to borrow
• Additional paper, bits, and collage supplies

Instructor Biography

Genevieve Kaplan (she/her) is the author of two full-length collections of poetry and numerous shorter chapbooks, including a series of erasures. Her poems and writings have been published widely. She teaches university and community workshops on creative writing, poetry, and bookmaking. Her book art, created with an emphasis on found and recycled materials, is made from easily accessible materials. Her finished works take many forms including small “pocket” books, site-specific installations, and poetry “broadsides.” Genevieve lives in southern California.

Instagram: @vievekaplan