Alexa GarvinBookbinding ’22
What's the most important thing you've learned at NBSS?
Embracing and learning from mistakes. Being here, the curriculum has allowed me to make numerous books in a setting where materials are readily available, a rarity in the field. It's invaluable as I am allowed to practice my skills repeatedly on different bindings. Not only do I learn from any mistakes I make during the process of binding a book, but the repetition has also helped me get faster and more confident in my hand skills. I am able to understand what areas I need to work on as a result, knowing that the next book I make will probably be better.
What did you do before coming to NBSS?
Prior to coming to North Bennet, I studied Ancient Studies at college in western Massachusetts followed by a year abroad at graduate school in Edinburgh, where I obtained a Masters in Classical Art and Archaeology. Upon returning to the States after grad school, I knew I wanted to work in a museum or library setting and my mother introduced me to the idea of becoming a book and paper conservator. I applied and was accepted into the book conservation program at West Dean College, which was my introduction to bookbinding. I spent a year at West Dean and followed up with several volunteer positions and internships at conservation labs, ranging from the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, to Yale University Library, to a private practice in Vermont. My decision to apply to NBSS was informed by the glowing praise of the program from my fellow colleagues, as well as a desire to develop the necessary hand skills and confidence needed for the book conservation field.
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
What is your favorite NBSS experience?
I've enjoyed taking part in several workshops. It has, of course, been different due to the pandemic but no less entertaining. My personal favorite was spending a week learning about using natural dyes to color paper, which yielded some incredible results. As someone who really enjoys learning about different decorative papers, it was very fun to get our hands dirty and experiment with different dyes and mordants on various types of paper.
What's your dream job or project?
My dream job would be to work as a conservator or technician for a university or leading institution, ideally along the East Coast (where I grew up). I especially would love to work with the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, or the Folger Shakespeare Library (all in DC) as they all house amazing collections which closely tie in to my love for history, as well as theatre and literature.