Author Archives: Daniel

Showing Old Friends A Little love!


Hello Friends! Welcome to From the Bench!

Right now the bench is hopping, but none of the really “wow” stuff is going to be ready for a bit. So I wanted to take a second to show some appreciation to all the smaller projects that help keep the bills paid. For every big project that takes up weeks of my time, there are always a handful of smaller projects running at the same time.

I want to tell you all that I fix every kind of book for every kind of reason.

Most of the smaller projects fall into three categories: Basic recover – called recasing; usually, but not exclusively, well used and loved personal Bibles. Modifications – the reworking of new books to create or repair something else. Maintenance – cleaning, stabilizing, and minor repairs; basic maintenance on most books can give them a new lease on life!

So until next time enjoy this modest offering From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

Maintenance

Basic maintenance and repair usually entails simple spine, hinge, and page repair; as well as simple cosmetic touch ups. A good once over works wonders for books that are meant to see continuous use for years to come!

Recovering and Recasing

Any type of book can be a good candidate for an entirely new cover for a variety of reasons. I just happen to get a lot of Bibles because they tend to be used heavily and wear out quickly. They also tend to have a lot of scholarly and sentimental value.

Recasing can be a lot of fun. If your going to start over make it look however you want! Below are a variety of examples as well as some of the recover options we offer!

Modifications

Modifications are usually either a custom cover created for a new book, two or more books that are spliced together to create a new book, or the same version of a book in good condition is used to repair another book. Here are some examples.

This book was a modification of a modification. The client took the book to a leatherworker. While being a great leatherworker, they knew nothing about the mechanics of books. So it had to be torn apart and remodified. The first photo is before repair with the closure flap missing.


Enjoy our entire “From the Bench” catalog!


We would love to hear from you! Feel free to share and comment!


Severely Paint Damaged Family Bible with a Fun Bonus!


And we’re back!

Today’s From the Bench is the transformation of a family bible that had been unfortunately stored on a painted surface. After years of being stored this way with direct contact, the book had bonded to the surface. Fortunately, when removed, more of the paint came with the book than leather stayed on the paint! Still, after removal, it was left in a pretty bad way. As you can see from the photos. Luckily there was very little in the way of red rot or other leather damage; and aside from the over 1/16″ paint layer on the back cover there was minimal wear and damage to the gilt.

Other than the extensive cleaning and touch up, the book had very little page repair, and overall the paper was in fantastic condition. Along with very impressive illustrations this version of Family Bible had a Temperance Pledge page! Something I have known about, but never seen in person. It would have been more interesting if any of the registry pages would have been filled out, but that is always a 50/50 chance. If you want to look it up it is an interesting piece of history. The Temperance movement of the late 1800’s laid the foundation, and was almost directly responsible for the Prohibition Era of the 1920’s. You do not usually get these in such good condition. Another exciting thing is the condition of the photo pages in the back! Not only were they in amazing condition, but there were ancestral photos! That almost never happens. No images of those pages for privacy reasons, you’ll have to just take my word for it!

So. After many hours of soft touch cleaning, touch up, and structural reinforcement, here is the Whitney Family Bible.

I hope you enjoy this latest view From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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Industrial Revolution Era German Bible


Welcome to From the Bench!

I am very excited to share the process of one of the coolest antique personal Bibles I have come across to date in this latest edition of “From the Bench”.

The text is in German, and the large print was not that common, and the paper! Oh my, the paper! 100% linen, and so pleasant to handle. A fine example of the quality no wood paper being fast replaced in commercial printing during the surge of the industrial revolution. Unfortunately, it is hard to pinpoint a date due to several of the beginning and ending pages being lost to time. Given the leather, style of binding, and paper, I am guessing mid to late 1800’s. Most likely immigrated pre WW1, which would explain how it survived both world wars, given that it is authentically German.

The cover as you can see is harboring plenty of my nemesis, cellophane tape! Out damned tape! The leather was also pretty brittle, with red rot, and the front cover was detached. There appeared to be a set of strap closures at one time. Replacing them was not possible due to how brittle the leather was. While the paper was of good quality and reasonable condition for its age there were still quite a few missing, damaged, and loose pages that needed to be addressed.

But I’ll let the photos take it from here!

So with this latest offering “From the Bench” here are the before and after shots of this gorgeous Industrial Revolution era German Bible.  Check out the rest of the series!

Be well Friends!

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Incredibly Unique Late 1800’s Family Bible


In other news, From the Bench I have this amazing example of a late 1800’s family Bible.

There was quite a bit lost to time on this piece. Mainly the entire original spine and whole pieces of  hardware, along with very brittle, torn, and loose pages. Unfortunately there is not much that can be done about the hardware; but with the help of some digital imaging colleagues of mine I was able to remedy the spine. It was a really fun challenge! 

I hope you enjoy this latest view From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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Saving a severely damaged and taped Bible


This Bible is a prime example of what makes book preservationists groan and cringe. Tape. So much tape. Duct tape, packing tape, scotch tape, tape is really bad. Especially on books like Bibles that have such thin and delicate pages. So this one needed a lot of saving.

The Bible belonged to the client’s distant relative and he felt that it needed to be preserved for the future. Saving the damaged inscription pages was a bit tricky. They preferred a full re-casing to saving the original cover, so that made it a more straightforward repair, but the text block still needed a lot of love.

Please my friends, don’t put tape on your old books. It never ends well. Or rather it’s a nightmare to clean and fix later!

Without further ado, here is the saving of a severely damaged and taped Bible. 

Until next time, well wishes From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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A Woman’s Work by Laura S. Haviland – An abolitionist’s autobiography and a Dad’s last request.


Every once in awhile I get the opportunity to service a book that is very meaningful. In this instance, it was fulfilling the last wish of a dying man. I know that sounds terribly dramatic, but I rather unbelievably, found myself in that situation! 

The client approached me with this project stating that Laura Haviland was a distant relative, a major figure in the abolitionist movement that the family was very proud to acknowledge, and that it was her personal account of her life and times  published in 1887. Apparently it was an item on his bucket list that turned into his dying request. The tricky bit was that her father was already in hospice with not much time left. Long story short, I did not have a lot of time to turn around a very brittle, very old, and very precious family heirloom. But I did, barely, hand delivering it to the client just hours before Dad passed. 

I think the message the client sent me that evening completes the tale well. “My Dad woke up and his lit up when he saw the book. Quality work and a real family heirloom! Thanks for making his day!

Until next time, I wish you well From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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Late 1800’s Family Bible


I am showcasing this bible mainly because it was the first of it’s kind for me. This style of cover is so fun, and such a departure from the more serious gothic bindings!

This one wasn’t too bad, a pretty straight forward hinge repair with a little touch up. 

I hope you enjoy this cover as much as I did, until next time , greetings From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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Bell’s Best Employee Family Cookbook – circa, 1981


Sometimes I get to rescue a book that is cherished just for being what it is. This cookbook belonged to the the client’s mother and was used all throughout his childhood. I think it’s fun because it captures that piece of history when more companies functioned as small communities. She was a phone company employee; and this was their, I’m assuming one off, cookbook of recipes provided by the employees. 

This one was fun because it allowed me to recycle a vintage library book with beige vinyl, and dust off my design skills to digitally recreate the damaged cover and spine. This family treasure is now more protected in a vinyl hardcover casing with water resistant canvas print graphics. I also got to play around with some of my foil stamp colors and type for the personalization on the back. I also trimmed down the original paper cover to slide into a pocket inside the new cover.

Enjoy this latest installment of From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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1919 Vitalogy: Home Medical Journal


This latest book was a real treat. I had never before seen one of these turn of the century, pre WWI, home medical remedy books. From the viewpoint of what we now know of basic modern medicine, some of the things this book instructed people to do is wild! But then it was 1919. I included a shot of what I thought was one of the more amusing sections. Hail the sunshine!

I hope you you enjoy this latest installment of From the Bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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The Saldara Family Bible


Welcome to the first From the Bench!

My first offering is a look at the first of several late 1800’s family bibles. I find that many of these books are in much the same condition when they come in, but it is fascinating how many different varieties of covers are to be found! The variety makes preserving them and sharing the results great fun!

This commission also provided me the opportunity to create archival digital images of the Bible’s genealogy pages for the client to share.

Enjoy this series of before pictures provided by the client and after from the bench! Check out the rest of the series!

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Local Line Papermill open for 2022!


Welcome to Local Line Papermill!

After a long year of research, studio upgrades, equipment building and hard work I can finally announce that Local Line Papermill is ready to launch and is open for business!

Local Line is here to serve all local artists, craftsman and D.I.Y. enthusiasts with your paper needs! From raw fiber to recycled stock, custom requests to in house selections, Local Line can help make your next project or body of work a reality.

I could not have made the last year happen without a lot of support from my friends and community! A huge thank you to Alex at Griffen Hollow, Trevor at Fortin Ironworks, and G.C.A.C. for logistical and financial support, and helping the arts and small business succeed!

A special thank you to numerous friends and family who helped along the way; but especially to my partner and biggest supporter Kimberly Mullett; and fellow collaborator Jocelyn Kane. You two wonderful ladies truly made the difference!

Updates and offerings will be posted on the Cobenick Studios Facebook Page as well as here in the weeks to come.

Please share and follow as our full line of products and services come available!

Thanks and be well friends!

Daniel


CS Book Rescue Program Starting at $75!


Do you have an old book that’s in pretty good condition it just needs a new cover or a little love?

Welcome friend!

Get a standard book recover with our Book Rescue Program.  Repairs start at $75 for basic maintenance and further pricing will be determined after assessment of your book.

Standard repairs may include complete spine, hinge, and cover repairs using archival material.  

 

Including:

  • Reattaching loose covers
  • Replacing missing spines or covers
  • Torn/Loose pages
  • Broken book blocks
  • Leather replacement/repair
  • Hot stamping, foil embossing, and tooling
  • Specialty and advanced repair pricing available after consultation.

Give a Daniel a call to make your consultation appointment! (614) 260-2021


Project Lab at Idea Foundry: Handmade Book Binding – 8/22/19


Thu, Aug 22, 2019 6:00 PM

$75.00/All supplies included – Click Here to Register

The student will learn about the history and importance of bookmaking as well as completing a hands-on work session in which students will design and create their own book. Your book will be 5″ x 7″ with 50 blank pages and the cover can be blank, or if time allows, embellished. This project is fantastic for all skill levels and when combined with paper or printmaking can make a unique art object. Supplies will include take home tool kit and literature for supplies and follow up research.

 

 


2018 – Spring Paper Workshop – TBA (April) – All levels welcome


Now that Daniel working and teaching out of his newly renovated home studio, we’re putting the final touches on things and paper messes will be made in the spring of 2018!! Please feel free to email Daniel to be added to the announcement list in February and March. See you then!

Go to our Workshops link for more info!


Daniel’s newest work at the Carnegie for the C.O.S.S. group exhibit!!


If you can’t make it to the tour no worries!! Interested in viewing COSS studio artworks before the tour on Oct 7 & 8?

Go check out Daniels newest work in his Rejuvenation series at the Carnegie Gallery at CML Main Library! 

Better yet, join us on September 7th from 6-8pm and meet the artists! A special thanks to Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for sponsoring the delicious food at the reception. 

Exhibit runs Sept 7 – Oct 8, 2017 during regular library hours.


For five years (2010 – 2015) the CS mission was to proudly provide an opportunity for artists of all levels and genres to present, market, and sell their works. As working artists and educators supporting any and all working artists; we believed that mentoring new artists, networking, and creating an experience for patrons is just as important as profits. CS worked to be a full service gallery at an economical price for the artist and the patron.

Below are some of our most successful shows. Enjoy!

 


JT Thompson: The Process Of Abstraction


JT Thompson
The Process of Abstraction
Show dates: December 8, 2014 – January 7, 2015
Opening reception:
Friday, December 12, 6-9 p.m.

The Process of Abstraction, a solo exhibition of new work by JT Thompson, opens at CS Gallery on December 8. Please join us on Friday, December 12 from 6-9 p.m., for the artist reception and to meet the artist.

The exhibition presents a new series of artworks exploring a style he calls Geometric Surrealism. This style explores the use of multiple sources of light as an aid in creating spatial depth in abstract compositions. Light reflecting and refracting off of multiple geometric planes guides the viewer’s eye, and gives shape to what might otherwise be a chaotic mass of line and color. In this process the work he produces is dynamically bold, stimulating and mysterious. The images capture the viewer and entice the eye to explore the composition.

Thompson’s work is inspired by the tension between certain dualities: the conscious and subconscious, good and evil, light and dark. As an abstract artist he is philosophically interested in the subjectivity of the mind, and it’s capacity for skewing perspectives of external events or the physical world.

JT Thompson is a Columbus-based artist, working primarily in oils. He is the co-founder of Underground64 Studios, a shared artist studio space and classroom facility. Thompson’s work can be found in the collections of the Columbus Museum of Art, the Downtown Hilton (Columbus, OH), Northern Kentucky University(Highland Heights, Kentucky, and private collectors.


Intense Intrigue: Infatuation & Fantasy


Showing: December 1st – 5th
Artist Reception: Friday, December 5th, 6-9PM

CCAD Photography senior thesis show.

Artists:
Heather Orwig
Jennifer Goheen Crews
Samantha Kamer
Emily Fern Masley
Chelsea Tanksley
Nick Boso
Kazzi Monique King
Brittany Ellen Marie Deel
Niccole L. Hagelstein
Kat Skaff
Emily Altair Coughlin
Beth Duboe
Kandice Stidham
Rachel Maynard


100 Under 100


Show dates: November 8th – 30th
Opening night: Friday, November 14th, 6-9pm

Well, we made it!

CS Gallery has reached its 100th show! It’s been a wild ride, but we are still going strong!

This is going to be a huge show featuring 100 works from 50 amazing local artists. Each artist will be selling at least one of their works for 100 dollars or less. If you are interested in collecting art but haven’t had the means, this is the show for you.

The artist reception will feature live music by Jeff McCargish.

Featured Artists:
Katalin Beavers, Jeff Leonard, Jorge Vales, Paul Schoo, Mireya Schoo, Aaron Sheldon, Tiffany Christopher, Katerina Harris, Tom Sherman, Chris Pemberton & many more


NX Gallery Presents: Brian Hyrne


Showing: November 8th – 30th
Artist Reception: Friday, November 14th, 6-9pm
“Having had a camera in my hand since the age of 5 years old, I am an individual with a passion for seeing the beauty & personality in people and capturing it with the use of a lens and showing it the most interesting and beautiful way possible. I am partial to Black & White photographs and other imaging affects that use Dramatic and Soft lighting techniques. I am always challenged and inspired to capture things seen everyday (including people) with a fresh and different prospective.”


CS Gallery Presents: Halloween Open Group Show


Show dates: October 23rd – November 5th
Opening night: Friday, October 31st, 6-9pm

Trick or treat! The reception for our October open falls right on Halloween. Olde Towne East Parsons Carnival will be happening at the same time as our show. Businesses on Parsons will have games and prizes. Come play Pin The Parts On The Zombie and check out some amazing artwork.
See the link below for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/874249129260396/

Artist Roster:
Arlo Moon
Elaine S. Farrington Johnson
Jocelyn Kane
Brent Elam
Ralph Corriveau
Brian P Matheny
Chelsea Bennett


CS Gallery Presents: The 7 Deadly & The Jeffs CD release party


Friday, October 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM
Come for the art, stay for the music!

The 7 Deadly artist reception runs from 6-9pm, immediately followed by The Jeffs CD release party.

live music by:
The Jeffs
The Devil Doves
The Salty Caramels
Kelly Zullo

Featured Artists:
JT Thompson
Brent Elam
Carlos Roa
Jimbo Tamoro
Jocelyn Kane
Paul Schoo
Danielle Forbes
Kimberly Mullett


Dark, Twisted & Crunchy 5


Our annual surrealism show returns! Come take part in this celebration of the odd!

Show dates: September 27th – October 8th
Opening night: October 3rd, 6-9pm


NX Presents September Featured Artist – Tom Baillieul


“Put On a Happy Face” What if you encountered a familiar symbol in an unexpected, even disturbing, context? That’s one of the questions posed by my most recent work. My life-long fascination with cultural symbols led me to imagine the ubiquitous yellow “smiley” face in a variety of seemingly contradictory situations. I want people to realize that the world is a much more complex place than we might wish, and things we thought were clear can take on a different meaning in a different context. I seek to create narratives about issues of importance in our 21st centuryworld. For this series I sought to build ambiguity into each painting or collage, and invite viewers to complete each narrative based on their own lives and experiences. I hope you’ll join me. For more of the artist’s work, visit: http://earthfriendarts.com


September OPEN Group Show


Welcome to CS Gallery’s Signature “OPEN” Group Show!!

Show dates: August 29th – September 10th
Opening night: September 5th, 6-9 p

Come check out the September installment of our signature series!!
See you there!! Featured Artists: Sharon Will | Tom Sherman | Chris Pemberton |
Aaron Behnk | Mireya Schoo | Brian Matheny