Anneka Baird

Bookbinding, papermaking

My work is rooted in a practical curiosity about the technological foundations of life as we know it. These foundations are often obscured beneath layer upon layer of successive technologies, but to me remain deeply relevant to understanding the world in our hands today. While my work dives deeply into origins, my driving interest is in creating things with present purpose and utility. My work hinges on the transformation of materials--plants into paper, skin into leather-- and seeing that transformation continue as materials are put to a purpose, used and eventually worn out.

Anneka will be hosting a workshop the night before this years tour: Handbound Journal with Coptic/Chain Stitch Bookbinding 

Friday, June 12, 3:00pm to 6:00pm, 

Liberty Pole Store, S6685 State Hwy 27, Liberty Pole, WI 54665

Workshop attendees will create their own handbound journal using the oldest known codex book form, the Coptic (also known as Chainstitch) binding. Appearing first in Ethiopia about 1600 years ago, to this day the Coptic binding continues to be a form well-loved for both its aesthetic and functional properties. Journal covers will be made using Anneka's handmade paper sourced from local, wild-harvested fiber plants. $35 plus $25 materials. See other workshops on the workshop page.

Email or text Anneka with questions and to register: battleridge@protonmail.com, 414-533-1707