LIZ CONSTABLE
Book Maker


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HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK AND WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR EARLY EXPLORATION OF IT?

I met Ailie Snow at a breakfast meeting and fell head over heels with her gorgeous books. I was hooked and quite simply began experimenting and exploring this wonderful art. I loved the possibilities and that if you stuffed up it actually offered you new pathways that you might not necessarily have thought of.

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HOW HAS YOUR WORK CHANGED AND DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS? WHAT FACTORS DO YOU THINK AFFECTED THIS?

I think it’s more me who has changed and developed. I’m far more open and trusting to the process of creating books. I don’t go to pieces if I make a mistake, I’m more likely to embrace it and enjoy where it leads me. My willingness to let go of what I think the book wants and simply allow myself to be lead by it.

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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHERE YOU WORK FROM? WHAT DO YOU FIND SPECIAL ABOUT LIVING OUT WEST?

I work from my studio in Glen Eden on a busy road. I mention this because it’s all part of the experience of coming to my studio. It feels like you’re part of something/a community/life happening and I feel this is reflected in my work of late after years of living in the bush in Titirangi.

What I find most special about living out West is the light. The sky setting in Glen Eden is like nothing I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen some glorious sunsets in my time. The colours simply take my breath away.

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY POP BY YOUR STUDIO DURING OPEN STUDIOS WAITAKERE?

They can see me in a tidy studio! I’m sorry - I know visitors like to see a more realistic set up but to be honest, you wouldn’t be able to move!! They can see works in progress, handmade books for sale and my published books that I’m so proud of. They can also have a go (for free) at creating their own notebook!

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NAME YOUR TOP 5 SECRET SPOTS YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE WAITAKERE RANGES?

1. Jemima’s Burgers - Oratia

2. The secret forest (shhhh so secret I can’t tell you where it is!)

3. Biggest Little Local, Shetland Road, Glen Eden - if you haven’t discovered this cafe find it!

4. The Fabulist, West Coast Road, an amazing vintage shop in Oratia

5. Bella Rahka, West Coast Road, Oratia - not open to the public but I run my book camps there. A slice of paradise if ever there was one.

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