Tom Greensfelder teaches Paper Models, October 24 12-3:00PM.
Tell us about your experience and key highlights of your work as it relates to the workshop you will be teaching for Artists Book House (ABH).
I've been collecting and building vintage paper models for 25 years. My collection is from all over the world and has models all the way from the 1880s up to the present day. Once a popular hobby along with paper theaters, paper dolls, and paper soldiers the hobby has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the internet and the ease of sharing copies as well as providing opportunities to purchase originals.
Where can readers find examples of your work?
Instagram: @tomgreensfelder
What can prospective students expect to learn in your workshop?
They'll learn about the history of paper models as well as where to find them on the internet. The techniques involved can be applied to other ways of working with paper besides paper models.
If a student were to walk away with one or two key lessons, skills, or principles from your workshop, what would you hope that would be?
A sense of the variety and breadth of subject matter of paper models and how much fun they are to build (unless they're horribly complicated).
Can you name an example or two of past workshops you’ve taught, and what most excited you about them?
My last workshop with ABH. The participants enjoyed themselves and were surprised by and proud of their completed models.
What are the most important features of your workspace?
Good lighting, quiet or good music, the right tools.
What are some of your favorite tools in your studio?
X-acto knife, Alene's Tacky Glue, scoring tool, straight edge.
What inspires and informs your work?
Too many to list, but my paper model friends have been inspirational: Salvatore Gugliara, Francesc Lopez Sala, Koen Berfelo, and Frank-Michael Goldmann.
How did you first become associated with ABH?
I saw Audrey's [Niffenegger] presentation at the Evanston Library and signed up.
What interests and excites you most about working with ABH?
ABH itself. Chicago deserves a functioning book arts center.
Other than your ABH workshop, can you name a few other key events or projects in your near future?
The 50th Anniversary book for the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, the opening of my storefront for paper models on Roscoe (Il Favoloso Mondo di Carta).
