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Bookbinding plays a special role in the life of this week's artIST, Minna Aaparyti. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Minna spent part of her childhood in the Middle East before becoming quite the globetrotter. She traveled from India to Mexico and beyond before finally settling in Philadelphia.
A graduate of the University of the Arts, it's no surprise that Minna earned her BFA in printmaking. Her love of journals stems from her time as a jet-setter. A portable possession, a journal became the one item that Minna was always able to keep close by. Safely harboring her thoughts and documenting her journeys, these diaries represented something consistent in a lifestyle of transience.
Now a resident of Philadelphia, Minna shares her love of journals by teaching bookbinding classes and workshops at her store, Craft Foundry. Located near Frankford Avenue, Craft Foundry also functions as a retail shop and an art studio. In the retail section of her shop, Minna displays her journals, albums, books, and jewelry—every item handcrafted by the artist and available for sale. The rear section of her store serves as a work space where Minna teaches classes pertaining to bookbinding, paper crafts, and decorative paper-making. Minna also has experience as an art instructor outside Craft Foundry, having lead workshops at both UArts and St. Joe's.
The artist tries to lead an environmentally-friendly business, proudly using upcycled materials when creating jewelry and journals. In addition, Minna incorporates locally-sourced finds into her storefront, including candles made of soy wax. Minna's recent collaboration with Eco-Libris speaks to her attempts at a sustainable business practice, as it ensures that for every journal Minna sells, a tree will be planted in its place. Should you buy a book from Minna, look for the Eco-Libris sticker in the sleeve and pat yourself on the back for making an eco-friendly purchase.
To learn more about Minna, visit Craft Foundry and sign up for one of her upcoming bookbinding, decorative paper, or greeting card workshops. The retail space is open Saturdays and by appointment. You can also find the artist on Facebook and Twitter.
Are you an ArtIST who would like to be featured on Phillyist? E-mail our editors at tips@phillyist.com.
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