Staple binding
Research notes:
The word's first usage for wire binding paper was in 1895.Wikipedia: "Saddle stitch staplers, also known as "booklet staplers," feature a longer reach from the pivot point than general-purpose staplers and bind pages into a booklet or "signature". Some can use "loop-staples" that enable the user to integrate folded matter into ring books and binders."
Definitions of staple:
When used in sentence to describe a fixed or basic item.
Derive from the word stapulaz, meaning a "post" or "pillar".
Staple art inspiration: https://uk.pinterest.com/swinglinebrand/stapling-art/
Derive from the word stapulaz, meaning a "post" or "pillar".
Staple art inspiration: https://uk.pinterest.com/swinglinebrand/stapling-art/
Notes from this article on zine history and use of staples/wire binding:
1450–1750: Guides for how to catch witches
1517: Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses
- During the 70’s and 80’s, DIY zine culture became deeply linked with the punk scene of London, LA, and New York. Zines flourished in the 90’s with feminist punk movement riot grrrl. As a format, zines lend themselves to the voices of the marginalized: you can write, print, and distribute whatever you need to say, no permission required.
- Though zines have long been associated with counter-culture movements and those on the margins of society, they’ve trickled into mainstream spaces over time. Eventually, alternative culture will be recognized, co-opted, and commodified by mainstream culture. Rolling Stone began in 1967 as a zine filled with Hunter S. Thompson’s political reporting.
- The word “fanzine” came out of sci-fi fan culture during the Great Depression era. Fans were not happy with what they considered bad writing, so they began to make and share their own fan made magazines-or FANZINES. The Comet began publishing in 1930.
- While the term ‘zine’ has only existed since the 30’s, self-published booklets and pamphlets are not a new idea. People with independent ideas have been sharing their words and opinions since there were printing presses.
1450–1750: Guides for how to catch witches
1517: Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses
Stating that "zines played a hugely democratizing role in art during the 20th century and have managed to stay popular and relevant in spite of web-based innovations, like blogs, that might have supplanted a less compelling medium."
Early zines (fanzines): used simple binding.
Punk Era (70s/80s): Stapling became a defining feature, mirroring punk's raw, rebellious DIY ethos.
Feminist/Queer Movements (90s): Riot grrrl and other movements heavily utilized stapled zines to share marginalized voices.
Modern Zines: Continue to use stapling as a nostalgic, practical, and aesthetic choice, even with digital alternatives.
As a comment on this premise, I came up with the idea to make ‘staple art’ that represent bookbinding tools, a concept that provokes irony and reflections on craft practice.
The collection of art pieces have the name of each tool written with letter stamps. They are bound together with two wire bindings, likely not very strong, furthering the concept. A front cover reads ‘bind’ with ‘wire’ stamps, and back cover reads ‘wire’ with ‘bind’ stamped.
Early zines (fanzines): used simple binding.
Punk Era (70s/80s): Stapling became a defining feature, mirroring punk's raw, rebellious DIY ethos.
Feminist/Queer Movements (90s): Riot grrrl and other movements heavily utilized stapled zines to share marginalized voices.
Modern Zines: Continue to use stapling as a nostalgic, practical, and aesthetic choice, even with digital alternatives.
Wire bound zine of staple art
When thinking about binding methods, using a wire bind is usually the last option. This is because of my passion and skill in bookbinding, and ability to choose a more secure method of fastening. However, it is an integral binding solution that is used universally due to its ease in application and accessibility. They are especially essential for DIY culture and their cultural value should not be dismissed.As a comment on this premise, I came up with the idea to make ‘staple art’ that represent bookbinding tools, a concept that provokes irony and reflections on craft practice.
The collection of art pieces have the name of each tool written with letter stamps. They are bound together with two wire bindings, likely not very strong, furthering the concept. A front cover reads ‘bind’ with ‘wire’ stamps, and back cover reads ‘wire’ with ‘bind’ stamped.
