As a book artist, I have a preference for early and medieval styles of binding. This installation of girdle bindings is a by-product of that interest as well as inspiration from Pam Spitzmeuller. Following her presentation at the Guild of Bookworkers in Salt Lake City in 2000, I returned home with one thing in mind: girdles, girdles, girdles.

The 53 girdle bindings presented in this installation were created between August 20, 2001 and January 15, 2002. Originally, 63 bindings were to be completed for the show. I did not run out of ideas for additional books. There just wasn't enough time to get all the textblocks covered while teaching three courses [including an over enrolled book arts class] and I discovered as Paul Brower, the Western Gallery preparator, and I were hanging the books, there was not enough room after all for 63 books.

These first pages present the books as they were hung in the Western Gallery. The two large columns served as my "St. Anthony" with books hanging from his belt. The last page provides details regarding the titles of the many books, materials used, and in some cases, close-ups.

Presented here is the beginning book of the installation. It is titled:

Traditional German Girdle Binding: To add metal furniture or not to add metal furniture; to make a Turk's-head knot or not to make a Turk's-head knot. So many decisions! So many decisions!