New way to look at books

Hamilton, Ohio – Art comes in many forms and appears in many unexpected places. Look no further than your own bookshelf for proof.

Not the artistry of the written word. Not merely cover designs and typography, although those elements are artforms in their own right, too.

Even the binding can be a work of art.

Andy Rottner shares his love for books – and helps interested artists elevate their craft - via his six-week Zines and Artists Books class at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts running Tuesday evenings starting October 28.

“’Artists books’ might not even be a term people are familiar with,” Rottner said. “We all know what they are, but we just aren’t calling them that.”

For example, comic books and children’s books are just two types that fall under the artists books umbrella.

Regardless of definitions, Rottner is uniquely qualified to lead the class.

After graduating from Wittenburg University in 2001, he headed west and earned an MFA degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work appears in the collections of prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress Special Collections, Harvard University and the Savannah College of Art & Design, among others.

Rottner worked with book-binding legend John Demerrit in the Bay Area for many years - “I had no idea when I started with John that I had weaseled my way into a position with one of the best in the world,” he said with a chuckle – before striking out on his own in 2010.

He’s been back in Hamilton operating Super Classy Publishing since 2020. More than a mere book binder, Rottner is a commercial artist, entrepreneur, published author and educator. The Fall II education session marks the second time he’s taught at the Fitton Center.

“I’m 100 percent local,” Rottner said. “My studio is here in Hamilton. I’m trying to be more a part of the art community here in town.”

The class specifically focuses on techniques available to home artists with a limited amount of bookbinding equipment, teaching a variety of sewn and adhesive binding structures and incorporating a wide variety of materials.

“People get really excited when they see their work on the page and professionally produced,” he said. “This class gives them that opportunity and gives them techniques to make their pages look great.

“My focus as a teacher is on the students learning skills. To me if things didn’t turn out perfectly, but you learned a lot, it’s still a good class. You’ve learned what you need to get better and advance your craft. The artistry improves with technique and with practice.”

Register for Rottner’s Zines and Artists Books class online right here, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 and in person at the Fitton Center box office. Early-bird discounts for the class are available through Monday, October 20.

Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture