Wales Artist's Book Fair, Newtown

I'm delighted to be taking part in the Wales Artist's Book Fair (Llyfr Artistiad Cymru) in Newtown, Powys on the 6-7th September.

It's the first time I have been to this fair, organised by the talented  artist and book maker Amy Sterly at the Hafan Yr Afon Centre in Newtown. 

Please do come along if you're in the beautiful mid Wales area and have a browse at a great selection of handmade artist's books. There's a lovely cafe too and walks along the river.

Hafan Yr Afon

Newtown

SY16 2NH

Open Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th 10am-4pm

Wild Bird of the Ink

Clare Rogers 

In the Beginning

In the Beginning is a very simple book about Dartmoor. It's inspired by the open expanses of moorland, which can look desolate, like an imagined place at the beginning of time.

I had previously made four abstract collagraph prints with a wild landscape vibe. However, I didn't feel that they worked with my intention, so I kept them tucked away in a drawer to use for another project. Once cut down to size, the prints have worked perfectly for 'In the Beginning'. Every cloud....!

I have mentioned before that I never throw away any prints from my printmaking, as they can always be repurposed for book covers or cut down to fit another project.

The text inside 'In the Beginning' has been extracted from two books about Dartmoor; 'Diary of a Dartmoor Walker' by Chips Barber and 'After Dark on Dartmoor' by John Pegg.

The short piece of extracted text, or prose, describes another time within the National Park and I've illustrated the inside with cropped photographs of some my monotype prints made with a theme of the Dartmoor landscape.

There are 8 copies of the book, which are a little smaller than A6.

The inside is inlet printed on 120gsm grey Fabriano paper and set in Gill Sans font.

Cover: 'In the Beginning' 2025

Original collagraph print

143 x 102mm

Inside title page

Inside 'In the Beginning'

Cropped greyscale photograph of monotype print

and extracted text.

 

Stamp Album

I've made another book in the Stamp Album series, this one titled 'Presidents of the United States.'

It uses original stamps from the United States that feature statements by Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

For contrast, I have included typed statements made by Donald Trump.

These little albums are a delight to make, although quite time consuming. I do tend to get lost in the typographic detail and colour of the stamps as I browse through my stamp albums from the 1960's and 70's.

Each book is a one-off.

Cover: 'Stamp Album: Presidents of the Unites States' 

2025

Inkjet printed on tracing paper and squared paper.

Includes card and printed paper

Inside: Stamp featuring quote by Abraham Lincoln and excerpt of statement by Donald Trump.

World Book Night 2025

I'm delighted to be taking part in World Book Night again, which takes place on Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

This year's theme was a response to Richard Powers book 'The Overstory.' The story is about individual people who are summoned different ways by the natural world. It's a thought provoking piece of writing that challenges us to rethink our response to climate change and the protection of the planet, specifically trees.

My book 'Silent Observation' was made using a print from a section of a huge local oak tree. The Lucombe Oak came down in Plymouth in storms in 2024. The text I chose was extracted in part from 'The Overstory' and asks us not to remain silent, but to speak up about the importance of trees for human survival.

All the entries for WBN have been organised, collated and curated by Sarah Bodman, Linda Parr, Nancy Campbell and Rachel Marsh and MA students and is on display at UWE, Bower Ashton, Bristol. 

All artist's work can be viewed at www.instagram.com/lsp_books/

Part of the installation from the contributors to WBN 2025

'Silent Observation' 2025

Single page inside 'Silent Observation' 

Tavistock Group of Artists Talk

I'm delighted to be invited to meet the Tavistock Group of Artists to talk to them about my handmade artist books this month!

It's a great opportunity to give an insight into the wonderful world of handmade books, as well as share my ideas and inspirations.

My books will be on display for the evening at the Tavistock Parish Hall and I will be talking about the making of individual books and reading from some of them. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and the purchase books.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting members of the group and sharing my book making practice. 

Silent Observation

‘Silent Observation’ is a response to ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers for World Book Night 2025. 

The original print cover for ‘Silent Observation’ is made from a ring of wood from the Lucombe Oak tree in Widey Woods, Plymouth UK. This magnificent maiden tree was several hundred years old and was very familiar to locals who walked in the woods. Its branches twisted and turned as it reached to great heights. In July 2024 high winds brought the tree down. 

‘Silent Pbservation’ reflects on our passive response to nature, particularly trees. Their loss, whether by man’s choosing or by natural causes, should make us pay more attention to how we view nature as a priority in preventing more damage from climate change.

A list of statements on the inside asks us to consider the vital benefits trees have on our survival as a species.

Front Cover 'Silent Observation' 2025

10.5 x 14.8cm

Inside 'Silent Observation' 2025

The text reads:

I need no fuel

I need little maintenance

I sequester carbon

I enrich soil

I cool the earth

I prevent flooding

I clean air

I drop food for free

I multiply at ease

I heal the sick

I offer a home to thousands

What am I to you?

Clevedon Litfest 2024

I'm delighted that I've been selected to take part in this year's Clevedon Litfest - Celebration of the Book!

It's a one day convention of books and book arts on the 2nd November, 10am-10pm at Princes Hall, Clevedon, BS21 7SZ.

This Celebration of the Book will bring together authors and book artists from across the southwest for a day packed full of workshops, talks, readings and exhibitions, all centred around our popular book and makers market.

If you’re passionate about words and beautifully designed books, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Celebration of the Book.

Tickets for the various events are available from the website: 

www.clevedonlistfest.org

I'll be at the Book and Makers Market with a display of my handmade artist books to browse and buy. Entry to the market is free and there are over 40 authors and makers stands to visit.

So please pop in and say hello if you're in the area and join in the Celebration of the Book!