Small Books and Zines: The Sequential Image and Word
F05
Mary Lum
In the gap between individual images and motion pictures lies the world of artists’ books and zines. A wide range of literary, poetic, and fine art structures make up the history of these media, and some of the richest examples also participate in the contemporary underground or various subcultures. The focus of this course is on the conception, production, and critique of small, image-based, low-budget publications. Students make a number of one-of-a-kind or small-edition zines and books, both individually and in collaboration with classmates. There are assigned problems and readings as well as independent work. Class time is generally used for lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and group projects, and students are expected to complete their work outside of class. The focus of this course is not specifically on graphic novels or comic books, but students can find some opportunities to work in those forms if desired.