The Southern Highlands Arts Trail brings together a diverse range of artists whose studios open their doors to the public each November. Among this year’s participants is Linda Bottari, a Bundanoon-based artist who has cultivated a unique practice that combines fine art printmaking with the centuries-old craft of bookbinding. Visitors to her studio will discover collagraph prints inspired by her travels, as well as exquisite handmade books and journals that showcase her eye for materials and design.
The Studio Experience: Linda Bottari Bookbinding in Bundanoon
Visitors who make their way to Linda’s studio at 3 Buchanan Close, Bundanoon are welcomed up a set of stairs to the second floor, where a light-filled, spacious studio awaits. The open-plan room is casually divided into two creative zones: one dedicated to Linda’s bookbinding and the other to her printmaking practice.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with work displayed across tables and walls, encouraging exploration and discovery.
Inspiration from Italy and the Highlands
Linda’s collagraph prints are deeply rooted in her experiences of place. Travel, especially to Italy, provides a deep well of inspiration. Ancient architecture, artisan traditions and the textures of old surfaces often appear in her work. At the same time, the natural beauty of the Southern Highlands is a constant influence, grounding her art in the landscapes she now calls home.
Her prints are rendered in soft tones reminiscent of watercolour, creating images that feel both timeless and personal. By combining her memories of overseas journeys with her connection to the local environment, Linda develops imagery that speaks across cultures and histories.
The Craft of Bookbinding
While printmaking is a major part of her practice, bookbinding is where many visitors find themselves particularly intrigued. For many, bookbinding is something remembered faintly from school projects, but rarely encountered as an ongoing craft. Linda has made it her own, transforming it into an art form that balances tradition with contemporary design.
Her handmade books and journals are created in a variety of sizes and finishes. Each is unique, using carefully sourced materials such as French book cloth, papers from the UK and kangaroo leather dyed with natural vegetable dyes. Some covers are debossed with natural materials, while others now incorporate her own printed imagery paired with leather spines and foredges.
These combinations result in objects that are not only functional but also works of art in themselves. They stand apart from mass-produced notebooks and journals, carrying with them a sense of individuality and craftsmanship.
A Practice of Memory and Material
Linda’s work often sparks nostalgia in her visitors. Many recall making a book at some point in their lives, and her studio brings those memories back to life. What makes her practice unique is how she elevates these familiar forms into art objects through her choice of materials and methods.
Her journals and books are designed to be touched, used, and cherished. They hold a sense of memory before they are even written in, and once they are filled, they become even more personal. The use of natural, high-quality materials adds to this connection, ensuring each book feels distinct and lasting.
New Directions in Bookbinding and Printmaking
Each year, Linda introduces new ideas, designs and formats into her work. In 2025, she has been particularly influenced by her attendance at the Bookbinders Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, where she participated in workshops that expanded her creative toolkit. These new techniques and concepts will be visible in her latest works on display during the Arts Trail.
Her evolving practice means that repeat visitors to her studio always find something fresh to discover. Whether it is a new series of prints, a different bookbinding style, or innovative ways of combining the two, Linda continues to push her practice forward while staying true to the craftsmanship at its core.
Why Make a Stop at Linda Bottari’s Studio?
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail is all about discovering the diversity of artistic talent across the region, and Linda’s studio is a prime example of this richness. Her work is unique and makes for memorable gifts – whether a collagraph print for the wall, or a handmade journal for a loved one or for oneself.
What sets Linda’s practice apart is the way she bridges past and present. Her collagraph prints draw on historical and natural imagery, while her bookbinding references traditions that date back centuries. Yet each piece is contemporary, designed to be used, displayed and treasured today.
Linda’s studio offers more than just artworks for purchase. It provides visitors with a glimpse into two intertwined practices: printmaking and bookbinding, each rooted in tradition but given new life through contemporary inspiration and design. The experience of stepping into her airy studio and seeing her books and prints up close is one of the many rewards of the Arts Trail.
Visit Linda Bottari Bookbinding and Printmaking at 3 Buchanan Close, Bundanoon
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025 will be held across the first two weekends in November, the 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Studios and creative spaces throughout the region will be open, offering visitors the chance to connect with local artists, discover unique works and enjoy the vibrant creative spirit of the Southern Highlands. Download your map here today!
