Shanna Leino

Shanna Leino grew up in Harrisville, New Hampshire. She returned after completing her BFA at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and spending a number of invaluable years of learning with the good book people in Iowa City, Iowa. She continues to travel  in search of conferences, seminars, and teaching opportunities to continue/enrich her own learning. I first met her when I was visiting my wonderful friend, Margaret Gurney in the area. Afterward, I realized how well respected she is among book artists around the country. What a nice encounter!

Artist Statement

I kept journals and the journals kept falling apart. I needed a book that could withstand the enduro of its use. That need unleashed a curiosity into the art of the book and the historical structures. The curiosity of “how can I make a sturdy book, built for surviving heavy use” led me to exploration of the art of the book, artists’ books, and historical methods of putting books together.

These tiny perfect Elk Bone Books are treasures in their perfection and tight precision.
Layover, 2006, Cloth book scribed ebony, hemp cloth - monoprinted and stitched, linen thread. $600

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