Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Maurelli.
Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved back to the Twin Cities in 2010, after completing a graduate degree at the University of Iowa. As a fresh-faced graduate, I became involved with the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA), first as a volunteer and then as an employee. There my love of book arts blossomed into a confidence. I came to know the presses, the cutting equipment, the paper-making equipment and more. I worked to build resources for the cohort of artists working there, encouraging them to, “go bigger,” and “be bold.” We were building the book-arts community that is strong today.
At this time I also began my career as an educator. I take great joy in working with young people in a higher education setting. They are curious about the “old-time” hand skills that I excel at. As a book artist, box builder and print maker, my hands are my everything. I am persnickety about precision and fastidious about finish. Honestly, I don’t know any other way of doing it. I have been an adjunct faculty of practice at many institutions in Minnesota, but I am currently teaching with Augsburg University Schwartz School of the Arts and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
I have maintained a studio practice beginning prior to my graduate days in Iowa. Some days are focused on completing a project, while other days are reserved for play. Exploring media, learning new ways of doing something, or pushing the limits are important activities that keep the work enjoyable. When working on my boxes, I am constantly thinking of the future user/owner of the box. I want them to know this item is hand made. I aim to make something precious, and desirable for people; something they will want to hold in their hand and enjoy for years to come. All my materials are chosen for quality and longevity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everyone has challenges. As a woman in the arts, there is this sense that I am doing this as a hobby or a craft, and that I come from the lap of leisure. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a young artist, my attitude was, “don’t tell me what I can’t do, because I will prove you wrong.” I tried to be the best at everything, just to prove I could do it.
I was humbled by the loss of twin girls in 2012. The Baby Loss Club is a membership I would not wish on any parent. The grief was devastating, and teaching was nearly impossible. It was during this recovery that I leaned into production work, and the community of artists who surrounded me. Standing at the letterpress everyday was a physical activity that allowed me time outside of my own head.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a book artist, box builder and print maker. I am able to combine all of these skills under the title of book artist. From making paper by hand, to letterpress printing, to binding and casing, I do it all.
Currently I am leaning into box building. I have a range of box designs that I build by hand. With all of my designs, I start with raw materials, large sheets of book board, paper and glue. I measure and cut all my pieces by hand. One of my magic boxes requires 23 individual pieces of board and 25 pieces of paper. It can be a lot to keep track of. As I work, I build boxes up in batches, repeating the same step, 8-10 times. I have to keep sets of box parts labeled and numbered, so I don’t accidentally make a mistake.
My favorite day is when I am planning new boxes. I will open up all the drawers of paper and look for creative and beautiful ways to combine color, texture and pattern. People often ask me where I get my papers, and honestly I am always on the look out. In my studio practice I have been trying to improve my paper marbling techniques. Turkish style marbling or Ebru is a way of applying color and pattern to the surface of paper by floating ink on the surface of a water-like substance. The paper is then “printed” off that floating ink. I am thankful for a thriving group of mentors who inspire me to keep practicing through Midwest Marbling. (https://midwestmarbling.art/)
When people ask, “Why make boxes?” I respond with everybody has something to put in a special box. It’s True! Everyone I know has a place for special keepsake items, memories, art objects or even secrets. I try to make a box that will hint at the object inside, no matter if it is something beautiful or functional, something precious or nostalgic.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have always been an artist. Recently my mother sent me a drawing from my childhood that she saved. The drawing is on a smooth satin bed sheet and done in three colors of permanent marker, black, red and blue. The drawing is a child’s rendering of people, large heads with arms and legs extending from the face. Some of the people wear hats or shoes, some are smiling and others are just existing. My mother told me that this was the moment she knew I was a uniquely creative person, and I would not be limited in my need to create. That is why she saved it, and that is why I have it today.
I remember this drawing. I was very young, maybe two-years old. I remember the experience of creating this drawing. I was laying on my parents bed, in a warm ray of sunshine – comfortable and safe. My mind was allowed to wonder, and the thoughts came out through the marker. I remember the sensation of the marker on the smooth sheet and how it bled a little bit if I did not keep on drawing.
Pricing:
- $35 – Small hinged lid box
- $75 – ring box (engagement or other), customizable
- $50 Small hinged lid box with 4 chocolate truffles, holiday 2025
- $100 – Magic Boxes
- $120 – Custom Magic Box
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erin-maurelli—artist.square.site/
- Instagram: @erinmaurelli
- Facebook: @magicboxerin
