The Alcuin Awards for book design were officially handed out earlier this year in Vancouver, but the organizers decided to hold a smaller reception in Toronto on July 13 that also coincided with the start of an [sic] book design exhibit at the Design Exchange.To see a pictures from this event, click here.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Designers at the Design Exchange
From the Quill and Quire website:
Reading: a Canadian astronaut’s adventure of a lifetime
Catherine Fortin Major, Ottawa Citizen
Published: Monday, August 28, 2006
In the next few days, Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean will blast off into space for the second time in his life. Aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis destined for the International Space Station, MacLean will become the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 and the second to perform a spacewalk.
---
If you bumped into Steve MacLean at your local public library, you probably wouldn’t guess that he is an accomplished laser physicist, or a career astronaut for that matter. His profession may be surprising to some because MacLean’s well-rounded attitude and his appreciation for literature defy the common stereotype of the narrowly-focused and introverted scientist. In fact, Steve credits his passion for science to the sense of adventure that was instilled in him at a very young age through reading. “You start reading,” he says, “and it becomes the adventure of a lifetime if you continue to do it.”
MacLean claims his many trips as a child to the Ottawa Public Library to read books like Treasure Island, Sinbad and the Seven Seas and Never Cry Wolf inspired him to want to be a part of something meaningful and special as an adult. He also credits reading to allowing him to see the bigger picture in life and getting a better understanding of different points of view and cultures.
“Reading had a huge impact on my space career,” says MacLean. “And I find that people who read a lot—even among the astute engineers and scientists here at the Space Agency—are often the most interesting people.”
Contrary to many of his present colleagues, MacLean admits that his desire to be an astronaut did not originate as a child. Instead, it was his co-workers in the science field who encouraged him to apply to the Space Program in 1984. In fact, when Steve wasn’t in the library, he spent much of his time in the gym and eventually earned himself a spot on the Canadian National Gymnastics Team. One day, he wondered how good he could become at something else if he worked as hard at it as he did with gymnastics. So he decided to try a little experiment where he studied mathematics as hard as he could and read up on everything that was related to that subject. Needless to say, he eventually became pretty good at math and decided to make a career out of it.
Despite focusing his academic studies on math and science, MacLean says reading has had, and continues to have, an important place in his life and played a central role in developing him as the well-rounded person that he has come to be. As a graduate student at York University, Steve admits to taking breaks from his technical study in the computer labs by going to the library, which was next door. There, he would make his way to the mountain climbing or Arctic explorer sections, open any book at random, and learn about something new that was totally unrelated to his scientific course of study. MacLean saw this as a relaxation break as well as an opportunity to advance his career by helping him “better relate in the world,” as he puts it.
And being able to “better relate in the world” is precisely why MacLean feels reading is so critical to a child’s development. “Reading really has made a difference for me,” he says, “and it’s really why I want to be a part of what the Canadian libraries are doing.” Steve’s latest projects involve an essay contest for students aged nine to fourteen titled, “Launch Your Future with Reading,” as well as the conception of an electronic library for children’s space-related works and other educational materials which will be housed on the Canadian Space Agency website. By participating in projects like these, the astronaut hopes that young people will make the link between reading, science and creativity, and realize that reading can have a huge impact on their future, as it did with his.
Specifically, MacLean’s message to students is that you don’t have to be an Einstein to succeed. “You just have to be a journeyman who works hard,” he says. And according to MacLean, to be a true journeyman or journeywoman you have to hit up your local public library and read. Through his work with the public libraries, Steve hopes kids will learn that seeing the big picture and understanding how and why people think differently is forever beneficial, regardless of the career—or planet—you choose to work on.
---
For more information about the Launch Your Future with Reading Contest, visit the CLA website at www.cla.ca, and for more information about Steve MacLean and his mission, visit the Canadian Space Agency website at www.space.gc.ca.
Published: Monday, August 28, 2006
In the next few days, Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean will blast off into space for the second time in his life. Aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis destined for the International Space Station, MacLean will become the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 and the second to perform a spacewalk.
---
If you bumped into Steve MacLean at your local public library, you probably wouldn’t guess that he is an accomplished laser physicist, or a career astronaut for that matter. His profession may be surprising to some because MacLean’s well-rounded attitude and his appreciation for literature defy the common stereotype of the narrowly-focused and introverted scientist. In fact, Steve credits his passion for science to the sense of adventure that was instilled in him at a very young age through reading. “You start reading,” he says, “and it becomes the adventure of a lifetime if you continue to do it.”
MacLean claims his many trips as a child to the Ottawa Public Library to read books like Treasure Island, Sinbad and the Seven Seas and Never Cry Wolf inspired him to want to be a part of something meaningful and special as an adult. He also credits reading to allowing him to see the bigger picture in life and getting a better understanding of different points of view and cultures.
“Reading had a huge impact on my space career,” says MacLean. “And I find that people who read a lot—even among the astute engineers and scientists here at the Space Agency—are often the most interesting people.”
Contrary to many of his present colleagues, MacLean admits that his desire to be an astronaut did not originate as a child. Instead, it was his co-workers in the science field who encouraged him to apply to the Space Program in 1984. In fact, when Steve wasn’t in the library, he spent much of his time in the gym and eventually earned himself a spot on the Canadian National Gymnastics Team. One day, he wondered how good he could become at something else if he worked as hard at it as he did with gymnastics. So he decided to try a little experiment where he studied mathematics as hard as he could and read up on everything that was related to that subject. Needless to say, he eventually became pretty good at math and decided to make a career out of it.
Despite focusing his academic studies on math and science, MacLean says reading has had, and continues to have, an important place in his life and played a central role in developing him as the well-rounded person that he has come to be. As a graduate student at York University, Steve admits to taking breaks from his technical study in the computer labs by going to the library, which was next door. There, he would make his way to the mountain climbing or Arctic explorer sections, open any book at random, and learn about something new that was totally unrelated to his scientific course of study. MacLean saw this as a relaxation break as well as an opportunity to advance his career by helping him “better relate in the world,” as he puts it.
And being able to “better relate in the world” is precisely why MacLean feels reading is so critical to a child’s development. “Reading really has made a difference for me,” he says, “and it’s really why I want to be a part of what the Canadian libraries are doing.” Steve’s latest projects involve an essay contest for students aged nine to fourteen titled, “Launch Your Future with Reading,” as well as the conception of an electronic library for children’s space-related works and other educational materials which will be housed on the Canadian Space Agency website. By participating in projects like these, the astronaut hopes that young people will make the link between reading, science and creativity, and realize that reading can have a huge impact on their future, as it did with his.
Specifically, MacLean’s message to students is that you don’t have to be an Einstein to succeed. “You just have to be a journeyman who works hard,” he says. And according to MacLean, to be a true journeyman or journeywoman you have to hit up your local public library and read. Through his work with the public libraries, Steve hopes kids will learn that seeing the big picture and understanding how and why people think differently is forever beneficial, regardless of the career—or planet—you choose to work on.
---
For more information about the Launch Your Future with Reading Contest, visit the CLA website at www.cla.ca, and for more information about Steve MacLean and his mission, visit the Canadian Space Agency website at www.space.gc.ca.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
History and Process of Paper Marbling ( BC Book Arts Guild)
Monday Sept 11, 7.30 pm
Peter Kaye Room, VPL Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia
Slide presentation will begin with images of the earliest forms of paper making: Japanese suminagashi, Turkish ebru, Persian abri and Indian stencil silhouettes.
Peter Kaye Room, VPL Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia
Slide presentation will begin with images of the earliest forms of paper making: Japanese suminagashi, Turkish ebru, Persian abri and Indian stencil silhouettes.
2nd Annual Powell River Studio Tour
The Powell River Studio Tour features 148 artists at 31 locations on the week-end of August 26 and 27 at the end of the Blackberry Festival. Studios will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
The Studio Tour provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the diversity and excellence of the art community in the area along with the spectacular beauty nature has bestowed.
The Tour is free and self-guided. A free, keep-sake ‘Passport’ includes examples of the work of each artist or gallery participating in the Tour and a map of where studios are located. Studio Tour Passports are available at
Alternately, a Directory and maps of the studios and galleries can be printed from this website.
Powell River had its first area-wide studio tour in August, 2005. Organized by Alfred Muma, a well-known local artist, the Tour included 28 locations representing over 50 artists. With an estimated 244 people taking the Tour, it was deemed a success and the decision was made to make it an annual event.
For more information visit the 2nd Annual Powell River Studio Tour website.
The Studio Tour provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the diversity and excellence of the art community in the area along with the spectacular beauty nature has bestowed.
The Tour is free and self-guided. A free, keep-sake ‘Passport’ includes examples of the work of each artist or gallery participating in the Tour and a map of where studios are located. Studio Tour Passports are available at
- the Visitor’s Centre in the plaza at Joyce & Alberni
- Artique Artist Co-operative (4722 Marine)
- Tug-ghum Gallery (Lund Hotel) or
- Sunspot Gallery (9398 Hwy 101 South of Town)
Alternately, a Directory and maps of the studios and galleries can be printed from this website.
Powell River had its first area-wide studio tour in August, 2005. Organized by Alfred Muma, a well-known local artist, the Tour included 28 locations representing over 50 artists. With an estimated 244 people taking the Tour, it was deemed a success and the decision was made to make it an annual event.
For more information visit the 2nd Annual Powell River Studio Tour website.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Rimmerfest: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Jim Rimmer
Call for Broadsides
Each year, The Special Collections & Rare Books Department at Simon Fraser
University (SFU) convenes a special book-related event. This year we are pleased to celebrate our good friend and one of Canada’s living national treasures, the printer, typographer and publisher, Jim Rimmer.
Jim’s career stretches back over fifty years and he has made many friends along the way, both at home and abroad: printers, type designers, publishers, students, teachers, design firms, binders, type founders, librarians, book collectors. . . . Since many of these people are printers, we are inviting their participation in this public event by producing a broadside celebrating . . . Jim. The broadside may be any size and could include an anecdote or tribute, for example, and should include a signed colophon. We would like to have three copies of each broadside: two will be given to Jim; the third will reside in SFU’s Special Collections Department, which holds Rimmer’s archives. We will need all broadsides in hand by October 31, 2006.
You may also send personal greetings, and best wishes in any form you choose. In which case please send three copies by October 31, 2006.
The broadsides and greetings will be gathered then presented to Jim during the evening of the Rimmerfest, which will take place on 25 November at Simon Fraser University Vancouver Fletcher Challenge Theatre (515 West Hastings St.)at 7:30 p.m. Robert Bringhurst, among others, will speak at this celebratory event. All are welcome.
The broadsides and the greetings should be sent to
Eric L. Swanick, Special Collections Department
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Canada
email: eswanick@sfu.ca
tel: 604 291 4626
fax: 604 291 3023
Each year, The Special Collections & Rare Books Department at Simon Fraser
University (SFU) convenes a special book-related event. This year we are pleased to celebrate our good friend and one of Canada’s living national treasures, the printer, typographer and publisher, Jim Rimmer.
Jim’s career stretches back over fifty years and he has made many friends along the way, both at home and abroad: printers, type designers, publishers, students, teachers, design firms, binders, type founders, librarians, book collectors. . . . Since many of these people are printers, we are inviting their participation in this public event by producing a broadside celebrating . . . Jim. The broadside may be any size and could include an anecdote or tribute, for example, and should include a signed colophon. We would like to have three copies of each broadside: two will be given to Jim; the third will reside in SFU’s Special Collections Department, which holds Rimmer’s archives. We will need all broadsides in hand by October 31, 2006.
You may also send personal greetings, and best wishes in any form you choose. In which case please send three copies by October 31, 2006.
The broadsides and greetings will be gathered then presented to Jim during the evening of the Rimmerfest, which will take place on 25 November at Simon Fraser University Vancouver Fletcher Challenge Theatre (515 West Hastings St.)at 7:30 p.m. Robert Bringhurst, among others, will speak at this celebratory event. All are welcome.
The broadsides and the greetings should be sent to
Eric L. Swanick, Special Collections Department
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Canada
email: eswanick@sfu.ca
tel: 604 291 4626
fax: 604 291 3023
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