Being a Fine Artist takes a lot of courage, I suppose. I spent some time at the CODEX book arts fair this week, and man, I was impressed. (pun intended)

Aisle after aisle, row after row of fine artists, paper-makers, letterpressers, all within the realm of artist’s books, book arts, and fine press books. From their website: “There are experimental book structures and explorations of the conceptual use of the book as well as finely crafted, letterpress printed editions with beautiful illustrations. Mostly limited edition artwork in book form.” To say I filled my well of inspiration with a myriad of works was an understatement. I think I saw a whole new way of living at this damn book arts fair.

What I mean is that I could tell that the Fine Artists at their own tables, representing their own work; most were not in their element. While all were masked, due to COVID, I could see the tired eyes, the weary postures, the repetition of their explanations and book tours of the table growing old as the third day of the fair wore on. To me, it seemed these folks are probably most comfortable in their workshops, creating. Crafting these courageous works we see in front of us, not standing in front of the table of their bodies of work, talking about it.

The Codex Foundation exists to preserve and promote the contemporary hand-made book as a work of art in the broadest possible context and to bring to public recognition the artists, the craftsmanship, and the rich history of the civilization of the book.

CODEX, 2022

My ambition pushes me into asking, So how come I don’t have a table, an exhibit? I make zines, scrapbooks, junk journals. Don’t those count?

No, no they do not count. At least not at this year’s event. “Broadest possible context” sure, maybe – but these exhibits were a class above. Perhaps I could get away with being a coffee-shop artist, but a CODEX artist? That’s another level.

The way of life these Artisans showed me is the quiet, relentless pursuit of your craft, becoming a master craftsman….someday. Toiling away, not in futility, but in flow, in the vibe of the moment, in exactly what they want to be creating, making what they want to be saying.

Good for them. Good for all of us.