YOU || A SKETCHBOOK || APRIL 7, 2019

THE PROJECT

Come up with an idea. Make a book to contain the idea. Bring yourself and the book to a gathering. That’s it!

The concept and the commitment to the form it takes is entirely between you and your book.

You may draw, write, paint, collage, collect, fold, sew, collaborate – whatever suits you and your purpose. The content / subject matter is also entirely up to you.

THE SCHEDULE

The Swell Book Project will host a gathering the afternoon of Sunday, April 7th from 3 - 5 p.m.

Suggested Timeline

Now: brainstorm Book Project ideas and the book itself

Soon: Commit to your project and your book. RSVP your intention to participate. RSVP button bottom of page.

Sunday, April 7: Bring yourself and your book to my home in Culver City (address sent to all RSVPs). Each of us will have 3 minutes to talk about our project, and you choose how much you want to share / show. You may show only the cover and then stuff the book into the bottom of your tote bag, you may share a single spread (or more) and then gently slide it back into your jacket, or you can flip through the entire book in three minutes and leave it out on a gallery table for the group to peruse at leisure.

NOTES / FAQS

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE BOOK PROJECT IDEA?

While surfing social media I came across a “shared global experience” to buy a notebook, fill it, and mail it back for inclusion in a gallery/library in Brooklyn.

HOW DID THE SWELL PROJECT EVOLVE FROM THAT?

I realized I wanted to make a book, I wanted to have a reason or a structure in which to explore an idea, and that I was more interested in a local or intimate experience.

WHAT KIND OF BOOK SHOULD I USE?

Any book. It can be store bought or hand made. It can be a blank sketchbook, a lined journal, an existing book (textbook, thrift store find, the like). It can be of any size. It can fit in your pocket. It can be a large format artist portfolio. It can have 4 pages or 400 pages. This is your choice. The only “rule” is that it must be bound in some way and that you “finish” the book.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FINISH MY BOOK?

There are 42 days between February 26 (this is when the post originally went up) and April 7. Set your sights accordingly.

WHAT IF I DON’T FINISH? IF THIS IS A “PRIVATE EXERCISE” WHY ARE WE HAVING AN OPENING? WHAT IF I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS IN MARCH?

The purpose of the gathering, the schedule, and the “boundedness” of the book is to provide a structure for your commitment to yourself. You are not committed to anyone else, including the host (aka me). The opening is so a slew of interesting people all have an opportunity to talk to each other.