Artist Member
Milkweed Seed Fairies
Mermaid ABeCedarian
for the Time Being
Joelle Webber
BIO 
Joelle Webber has spent over forty years collecting book arts techniques, learning from mentors, from books about books, as well as in university & workshop settings. She began her career providing binding support in other’s studios. In 2000, she earned a certificate degree from the Iowa Center for the Book, then returned home to set up her own studio.
At Mermaid Bindery, there are four pillars that define Joelle’s career. Binding books and boxes for clients, unique or editions, sculptural or page turners. Illustrating her original artist book sculptures with her writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up & paper sculpting skills. Crafts in the Woods, her honor system shed, where she sells hand bound gifts. Finally, building on her many years of creative book and paper experiences, Joelle designs workshops for many different communities of makers.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
I bound my first book at the age of seven, and actively sought to learn more every year. Having all the blank books I could create, I began to journal at a young age as well. Writing about the woods of Midcoast Maine, which I experienced daily.
Even earlier than my first binding experiences, as soon as I was big enough to pick up and hand my father tools, I ‘helped’ build our family home around us. An early understanding of inner structural integrity, which is then covered with outer decorative layers, informs my artist book sculptures today.
After many years of providing binding support for creative people, I was encouraged to design my own artist books. I was drawn to nature themed writings of classic poets. I also revisited my early work, and began writing again. Revising with an adult eye and the sensibility of a calligrapher and book artist, while retaining the joy of my younger self.
My world was informed by structure from such a young age, I easily envision the sculptural form I want each of my pieces to take. Then I set about making mock-ups to create solid structural integrity with book arts materials. In this process, paste papers and page layouts are also designed to decorate my landscapes and illustrate the narratives.
There are so many different ways in which people create in the book arts genre. I hope to explore many of them, historical and modern, while also exploring different calligraphic styles. Bringing over 40 years of experience to bare in the creation of my artist book sculptures, is an exciting facet in my book arts career.