ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shanna 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.
Small Harrisville has big mills. Space in the Cheshire Mills Boarding House provides her with a beautiful, light workspace, a small gallery, and a fine view of the surrounding mills and village.
ABOUT THE WORK
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.
Artist's books:
I love the structural challenge of building a book to fit the content. The words and stories can come from a country song scrap heap, but they primarily come from experiences roving around the South with my friend Lindsay, to Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Mississippi, and over to Texas. Heat and sparks and thunder, finding another good night's sleep in the car, it all gives you a rash, but you can't get enough.
Tool making:
While working on books, I found myself needing simple but special tools to carry out the work on leather, wood, and bone. That set me on the road to making folders, awls, punches, and hooks. It is satisfying to me to see others making skillful use of the tools I have made.
Tool making itself satisfies a need I have to keep my hands moving. I like the focus it provides.
Make beautiful work with good tools!
Represented in the pictures are examples of the tools I make and offer for sale.
To place an order or inquire about tools, please email info@shannaleino.com
* See Contact page for tool pricing.
