ON SATURDAY, The Rising Sun Arts Centre hosted the latest chapter of a book fair which celebrates indie publishing and bookmaking.
Bookface Chapter 14 saw artists and independent publishers share their work, their ideas, and their stories with stalls and artworks on display.
This year saw works by Reading’s Geoff Sawers and Suzanna Carson, whose micro-books covered poetry, stories, and even photography collections.
Rachel Knight brought textiles and surface-pattern papers as well as origami creations, while Anne Nolan of Redden Press and Two Rivers Press exhibited miniature photography collections from Reading artists.
It also saw stalls and contributions from Helen Lunn, Jack Wellings, and Lil Meep, as well as a poetry performance from Gill Learner, and ZAP Publishing, which champions work by people with learning disabilities.
The Rising Sun’s own Larry Watson gave a preview of his latest comic book creation about the Adventures of Merit Maotse.
Among the new additions to the event for this year were The Bookband, a group of seven artists formed in lockdown who bring individual but collaborative projects on common themes, as well as Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck from Poetic Pastel Press, and Bookmark Type!
Immy Smith, based in Basingstoke, brought their handmade watercolours as well as zines about art, botany, and–in particular– moths.
Smith, a regular exhibitor at Bookface said: “ I always have a great experience at Bookface artbook fair, as well as selling my zines and paints, I get to meet other artists and share and learn from them too.”
Organiser Neile Wright, who was also exhibiting some of their experimental works, said: “We have had a fabulous time meeting the artists and viewing their beautiful books and sculptures.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that exhibited, visited and volunteered to make this event possible. We look forward to Bookface Chapter 15 next year.”
Ms Wright also extended thanks to Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), Reading Libraries, and The Biscuit Factory for their support
“And some of our books can still be found in Reading Central Library until the end of May.”
The Rising Sun Arts Centre is always seeking contributors and volunteers for its regular, diverse arts and exhibition events.
Those looking to get involved can contact Larry Watson via: Larry.Watson@RisingSunArtsCentre.org or by visiting risingsunartscentre.org
