FOBA 2026 - Susan Lowdermilk - Tunnel Books: Travel, Perspective, and the Artist’s Voice

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Susan Lowdermilk
Tunnel Books: Travel, Perspective, and the Artist’s Voice - Wednesday & Thursday, June 24-25, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

In this immersive workshop, participants will explore the sculptural and narrative potential of tunnel books: dimensional, layered book forms that create visual depth and storytelling through space. Each participant will create two books: a
sample tunnel book to learn the mechanics of the structure, followed by a fully developed tunnel book incorporating photographic and/or photocopied imagery. Text will be self-authored, emerging from a guided writing exercise centered on themes of travel and perspective—interpreted broadly to include physical journeys, emotional landscapes, or shifts in viewpoint. Lettering will be applied using rubber stamps or hand lettering, allowing for a personal, tactile typographic approach. The final book will be finished with a hard cover featuring an inset image.

Throughout the workshop, we will examine the essential integration of form, materials, and content, with attention to design principles, typographic layout, and creative problem-solving. Inspiration will be drawn from examples of artist’s books from the instructor’s personal collection, which will be shared and discussed to spark ideas and expand possibilities.

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Mechanical pencil
• Eraser
• Notebook/sketchbook
• Glue stick
• Metal ruler with cork backing
• Right angle triangle (plastic or metal)
• X-Acto knife with extra blades
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Colored pencils and/or colored markers
• Bonefolder (or dull butter knife)
• Photographs, magazines, decorated papers, and other visual ephemera