Sally Alatalo

This class serves as an entry into the historical, theoretical and practical concerns of creative writing as an art form in itself and as a vital element of interdisciplinary projects. We explore the possibilities of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays and hybrid practices as writing for the page, as well as for performance, sound, installation, and image-based pieces. Students are assigned reading and writing exercises, and discuss each other's writing in workshop or small critique sessions.

In this generative seminar we examine the materials, forms and structures of books as they have developed historically and cross-culturally, and their influence on the fields of contemporary artists’ books, small-press publishing, and related literary and studio practices. We explore and construct models of pamphlet, side stitch, accordion, codex and case bindings as means to develop both practical craft skills and conceptual acuity. Weekly exercises and tutorials attend to the application of these skills to individual or collective projects. Field trips to local archives, such as the Joan Flasch Artists’ Books Collection, the Ryerson Library and the Newberry Library augment our study. Coursework includes completion of weekly exercises, an annotated bibliography of historic and contemporary artist book references, and a final project. This course requires commitment to an asynchronous studio practice that utilizes the Writing Program's BookLab outside of class time.

Artists' Book & Indie Publishing | This is an opportunity to research and produce independent projects that grapple with the ideas, materials and forms of artists’ books and independent print publishing. Students regularly present their work for discussion and feedback, and participate in independent and small group tutorials as needed. Field trips to local archives, such as the Joan Flasch Artists’ Books Collection, the Ryerson Library and the Newberry Library augment our study. Course work includes active participation in workshops, the development of an annotated bibliography of artists’ books and related critical readings relevant to one's practice, and a final project. This course may assist the development of projects toward the MFA Thesis Exhibition and/or the material presentation of the MFAW thesis. Students from all disciplines are welcome.

Taken every semester, the Graduate Projects courses allow students to focus in private sessions on the development of their work. Students register for 6 hours of Graduate Project credit in each semester of study.

Taken every semester, the Graduate Projects courses allow students to focus in private sessions on the development of their work. Students register for 6 hours of Graduate Project credit in each semester of study.