WORKSHOP Bookbinding & Collage: Containing Time

Notebooks, diaries, albums, collections of memories, they hold together, with order and restraint, the chaos of a stretch of time: all those emotions, messy and overwhelming, are turned into something finished, comforting even. Within the finite space of a diary’s spread, even the creative act has to respect boundaries. Through the synthesis of a photograph or a written page, the uncontainable can, in some way, be contained.

In this workshop we will learn the simple technique of saddle stitch binding and practice it through a short exercise, then gather materials while reflecting on a chosen period of time from the past. With collage cuttings, personal writings, or materials participants bring from home, we will assemble a booklet that combines memory, image, and text into a finished work of reflection and form.

All materials will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring personal material from home (notes, journal entries, letters, photos). This material can be used physically within the booklet or simply as inspiration. Alternatively materials can be scanned or photographed and brought as a copy.

Francesca Faulin (1985) b. Venice, Italy, graduated in Sociology from University of Milan in 2005, and completed a Master level course in Fine Art Photography at IPCI in Lisbon. Francesca's practice focuses on photography, writing, research and manipulation of archives and results in handmade artist books and unique prints as well fine art prints reproduced digitally. Solo shows include: L’Ombra, L’originale e la ripetizione, DOPPO, Coimbra, Portugal (2024); L’Ombra, L’originale e la ripetizione, studio seco, Lisbon (2024). Collective shows include: undomesticated ground, studio seco, Lisbon (2025); Não estar nem aí, Encontros da Imagem, Braga, Portugal (2024); fértil, studio seco, Lisbon, Portugal (2023); Postepisteme, Emotiva Festival, Barcelona, Spain; Remapear as margens, f/est Amarante, Portugal (2022). In 2023 Francesca founded Studio Seco, a creative studio and exhibition space, promoting art by facilitating artist-led workshops and curating exhibitions with local artists.

Collage Working Club (CWC) is a weekly open workspace for artists working in the medium of paper. Organised in the format of alternate ‘drop in’ sessions and workshops masterclasses, it has both a regular facilitator, whilst also involving the artist community in the sharing of knowledge and skills. Providing materials, education and connections is the primary aim of CWC, and it will do this through the interdisciplinary art of collage as both an art form and a tool for personal growth.

O Collage Working Club (CWC) é um espaço de trabalho semanal aberto a artistas que trabalham com o suporte papel. Organizado no formato de sessões alternadas e masterclasses, tem um facilitador regular, ao mesmo tempo que envolve a comunidade de artistas na partilha de conhecimentos e competências.Fornecer materiais, educação e ligações é o principal objetivo do CWC, e fá-lo-á através da interdisciplinaridade da colagem como uma forma de arte e uma ferramenta para o crescimento pessoal.

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