The Evolution of a Miniature
Book Maker
by Barbara J. Hodik, Ph.D
Jill Timm has the unique distinction of being able to trace her
interest and talent in book making as far back as the fifth grade when she
created her first book from boards covered in construction paper and bound
with staples. The book was a creative exploration of her interaction with
a visitor from outer space who was shaped like a spoon. Later design
courses at Utah State University whetted her appetite for making books,
and a whimsical book based on a simple handheld pencil sharpener was
quickly followed by a small book devoted to a photographic tribute to the
interior and exterior essence of a pocket watch.
She was a professional multimedia, instructional and graphic designer
for IBM after receiving her MFA in Computer Graphic Design from the
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. Jill took book-making
classes at the Visual Studies Workshop with Hedi Kyle and Scott McCarney
while in Rochester. Always interested in learning from the experts, Jill
had enrolled in classes from a number of book making masters. Listed in
Who's Who Among Young American Professionals and Who's Who in California,
Jill has rightfully earned a good share of awards and professional
achievements for her work in both fine arts graphics (she's an outstanding
serigrapher), book arts, photography, graphic design, and art direction.
Jill has been the recipient of several grants and fellowships. She has
work in corporate and University collections across the United States.
What Jill began with her first book in the fifth grade has come full
circle with the establishment of her Mystical Places Press in
Austin, Texas in 1998. Which then moved to Wenatchee, WA in 2002. The name
Mystical Places reflects her dedication to the spirit and aesthetic
of the natural environment. Her artist books are included in several
consumer crafts and bookmaking books. Articles about her books have been
published in the Miniature Books Society and The Microbibliophile
periodicals. Her books are included in the Twentieth Century United States
Miniature Books by Robert Bradbury. And in 2004 Jill's book Ship Wreck
won the MBS Distinguished Book Award.
