I began making books while in graduate school studying graphic
design. It was a natural progression for me as I was interested in designing
books and loved everything about them—the feel of the paper, the cover designs,
browsing the shelves of a used bookstore. My graphic design work involved
mainly working at a computer so making books by hand was a wonderful
change from this. Bookbinding led me to box making as I explored containers for
my books.
Color, texture, and composition are very important to my craft.
I make many different forms of boxes, books, and portfolios, but with all of
them I strive to create something beautiful and inviting. I want the viewer to
open the book, slide the drawer, undo the flap, whatever form of participation
that piece involves.
Artist bio
Becky Filene Broun is a native of Chapel Hill. She has been making books and boxes for over 14 years. She received a BA from Connecticut College and a MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University. She has studied box-making and book arts at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and The Center for Book Arts in New York in addition to other workshops. In 2009, Broun became a member of the Orange County Artists Guild.