| Boxes within Boxes

Guided by Richard Reitz Smith, create beautiful painted papers and learn the art of constructing unique drop spine boxes and clamshell presentation cases.

During this weeklong, in-person workshop, we will explore and construct multiple 3D enclosures! First, we will make a few models to spark your ability to think in the third dimension by taking 2-D diagrams and creating them in 3-D.

Then we will make coverings for our creations: Paste paper, marbling and painted surfaces. These are integral to finishing the structures to make them uniquely your own. This will be a quick station-to-station day of painting on paper surfaces. From this practice, you will have plenty of options for final coverings with book cloth pairings.

Next, we will take your basic models to the next level. By seeing a simple 3 or 4 sided box and book cover as a module, we can make nearly infinite combinations of structures. With a few adjustments, you can turn that model into a drop-spine box and then into a clamshell presentation case.

Then go even one step further to add dividers for multiple compartment trays and multiple trays to make stacked boxes.

This is a great companion course to Dawn Surratt’s class “Photographic Objects, Advanced Techniques” or any workshop or project that you want to elevate the final presentation.

All images by Richard Reitz Smith.