Gabby Cooksey BB ’14

Finding a bookbinding haven

Bookbinding ’14
Age 33
Tacoma, Washington
Bookbinder and Book Artist, Bound by Cooksey

Gabby discovered her passion for bookbinding early on. Her time at NBSS gave her an opportunity to hone her craft and exposed her to aspects of the trade she’d never considered; ones that shaped her practice to this day.

What were you doing before you came to NBSS to train?

I graduated from high school and went straight into art college. I was in the library one day and I found a book about books; how they’re made and designed. At the time, I was feeling disillusioned at college because everything was on the computer, and I had by then realized that I wanted to work with my hands. Finding this book about books felt like a sign for what I was truly meant to do. 

So at 19, I dropped out and enrolled in the American Academy of Bookbinding (AAB) in Telluride, CO. I took every class I could, but realized when I was done, I wanted a more in-depth program and to be with students closer to my age.

I had heard of North Bennet while I was at AAB, and I knew it had the potential to be a good next step for me. 

Why NBSS, and how did it impact you?

When I interviewed for the program, I spoke with Bookbinding Department Head Jeff Altepeter BB ‘99, who I had also heard about from peers at AAB. He was so encouraging and laid back—that really sealed the deal for me. 

While at NBSS for two years, I was able to focus solely on honing my craft—trying new things, practicing, improving, and maybe most importantly, failing too. I gained invaluable experience from the instructors, especially in areas outside my comfort zone. 

For example, I wasn’t ever interested in conservation, but instructor Martha Kearsley BB ‘95 had a way of making it interesting. I had no idea at the time that I’d end up needing to use the skills she taught me, but I’m so grateful to have practiced that part of the craft. I wouldn’t have pursued it on my own.

How did you feel supported while you were at NBSS?

The wider network of bookbinders and conservators was great to have while in School, and they have become even more important since I left. There’s a national organization called the Guild of Book Workers that meets annually, and there are many NBSS alums in the group. Being with “my people” once a year helps me stay motivated to keep doing my own work. It fills my cup.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at NBSS?

Yes, one that ended up being pretty life-changing for me. Jeff brought in a guest teacher, Jim Croft, to teach Gothic bindings with clasps and how to make bone folders. Meeting Jim opened my eyes to the world of brass and what it could offer. I’ve been using it in my career ever since. Jim has become a dear friend and mentor to me.

What are you doing now?

I work full-time on design bindings and artist’s books. Design bindings focus on the cover only, and I either work on commission, or get text blocks from my book dealer. I’ll then bind everything together and create my own design for the covers. 

I take on the entire process myself for artist’s books—writing, illustrating, printing, and binding—and am essentially interpreting what a book can be. I’m very lucky to be able to switch back and forth between the two. Universities or private collections own a lot of my artist’s books, and that helps to fund my design binding work.

If you could sum up your NBSS experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?

A bookbinding haven.

This story is from our Summer 2025 issue of Benchmarks magazine. Read more stories from the issue or view past issues.