A Lone Star College professor is proving pop-up books aren’t just for kids.
Bruce Foster, an adjunct professor who teaches Digital Imaging, Design Communication, and Digital Publishing, will share his unique talent during a Curious Minds lecture on the campus this month.
“Most people think of pop-up books as kids' stuff,” shared Foster. “I don't approach it that way. Instead, I tailor the approach appropriately to whatever age level the book or project is aimed at. I have done books for children, of course, but also for museums, corporations, certainly some adult-focused subjects.”
Foster has explored various art forms from painting to sculpture but found his passion with paper engineering.
“One day one of our clients approached us with a challenge: to help them introduce a product via pop-up! I jumped at the opportunity even though I had NEVER seen a pop-up more complicated than a simple cone! It just seemed like a great way to explore that sculptural urge while using skills that I had been using to make a living. It was magical!”
Since then, Foster has created more than 65 pop-up books, hundreds of cards, and has been featured in movie advertising and theatrical formats. He has also collaborated with authors like Mo Willems, celebrities such as Top Chef judge Johnny Iuzzini, as well as partnered with organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Museum of Modern Art, and publishers like Simon and Schuster.
Some of the pop-up books Foster has created include “Harry Potter,” “Buzz Aldrin: To the Moon and Back,” “America’s National Parks,” “The Sound of Music,” “Peanuts: A Pop-Up Celebration," "The Pop-Up
Book of Celebrity Meltdowns," and “Sports Illustrated Kids: Wow! The Pop-Up Book of Sports.”
“Creativity is important for ALL phases of one's life and career! I'm not just talking about "art" although of course I LOVE art, but really all phases of life. Creativity is another word for curiosity. Without it, life would be kind of boring. I really appreciate the way Lone Star is supporting the creative disciplines.”
Foster says it’s important to exercise your creativity.
“Keep that spark alive. Learn the tools that teach you how to stretch your talents. It takes a really long time to become good at things that are worthwhile. Keep at it. Read. Visit art galleries. Attend other art performances. Read some more! Also, develop a thick skin. And keep a good sense of humor. That is a key to a good life.”
Foster will be sharing more about his pop-up books and other projects in the works at the Curious Minds lecture, “The Magic of Paper Engineering.” That will take place on Tuesday, March 25 in CLA 112 at 12:30 p.m.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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