Holding Space for Creativity

Holding Space for Creativity is a remote, collaborative artwork between artists, Elize de Beer of Bookward Bound Bindery and Caitlin Mkhasibe. This work is an amalgamation of Elize’s book binding knowledge and Caitlin’s digital illustration of their shared interests and the surrounding natural landscape where they studied fine art together in Cape Town. The cover illustration depicts elements of the sea, fynbos, nature, space cats and tattoos (rendered through the overall style of the illustration). The cover was screen-printed with gold ink by Roxy Kaczmarek on 300gsm navy blue Malmero paper. The inner book holds 128 un-lined, 120gsm off-white Munken Pure pages, permitting flexibility in purpose to be used as either an artist’s sketch book, for writing or both. The final books are beautifully handbound with a three thread colour Coptic Stitch by Elize de Beer.

Not only has this artwork been a celebration of friendship, independent creativity and an emphasis on fun over perfunctory art admin; it has been a catalyst for discussions on mental health, vulnerability, inner expansion through mutual respect and an excitement towards forming a shared definition of a healthy, creative experience.

The final books are the reward and the process served as a reminder that art is necessary for our well-being.