Unpacking continues and it all takes time, particularly because as I come across the stash of books and cards and artists' books I bought along the way I get side-tracked and distracted and turn the pegs, read the pages, and then its dinner time!
Here are some of my favourites so far.
At Craft in the Bay in Cardiff, I saw a few of Shirley Jones' beautiful and sophisticated artists' books. She writes poetry and prose, creates exquisite etchings and uses letterpress to print the poetry alongside the images. She also binds the books and I'm not sure if she makes the cases as well or not.
In this book she describes the work of her Press - The Red Hen Press - and also gives detailed information on pieces. I have enjoyed delving into process detail and gaining an understanding of what she does and how.
She says "I named my press after the Little Red Hen, who did it all herself". I know that feeling!
At the Scottish Poetry Library, I came across lots of little books that offered me many things. This is a beautiful simple book - debossed lettering on the velvetiest paper I have ever felt for the cover. And simple poems within, edited by Luke Allan. I have learned the poems are presented in the manner of the dicotyledon as a poetic form...so many things to learn.
A dicotyledon poem typically comprises two words that differ by one letter. For example
tone
note
(Alec Finlay)
Another book I want to read deeply is this book about typesetting poetry - The Printed Snow by Gerry Cambridge. I have a rather large commission to do around poetry and am working my way through how best to present it using letterpress, so this felt very timely.
Inside this unassuming book I found these other bibs and bobs. All rather lovely and interesting.
Still at the Scottish Poetry Library I came across this. A beautiful letterpress book of poems of bereavement, a bookmark instead of a card, and an envelope to post it away in. It struck me as a rather precious gift - a number of bereavement poems and a book mark.
The Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy introduces the book, and it s produced by Candlestick Press.
It was part of a series with others for critical moments in our lives, or for things we enjoy such as gardens. If you enjoy poetry I think receiving a gift like this would be grand.
And finally a simple, reproduced accordion book from Iona. It speaks of rock, sea, air and sky and is called White Strand of the Monks, Iona based on water-colour originals by Susan Harvey.
Here are some of my favourites so far.
At Craft in the Bay in Cardiff, I saw a few of Shirley Jones' beautiful and sophisticated artists' books. She writes poetry and prose, creates exquisite etchings and uses letterpress to print the poetry alongside the images. She also binds the books and I'm not sure if she makes the cases as well or not.
In this book she describes the work of her Press - The Red Hen Press - and also gives detailed information on pieces. I have enjoyed delving into process detail and gaining an understanding of what she does and how.
She says "I named my press after the Little Red Hen, who did it all herself". I know that feeling!
At the Scottish Poetry Library, I came across lots of little books that offered me many things. This is a beautiful simple book - debossed lettering on the velvetiest paper I have ever felt for the cover. And simple poems within, edited by Luke Allan. I have learned the poems are presented in the manner of the dicotyledon as a poetic form...so many things to learn.
A dicotyledon poem typically comprises two words that differ by one letter. For example
tone
note
(Alec Finlay)
Another book I want to read deeply is this book about typesetting poetry - The Printed Snow by Gerry Cambridge. I have a rather large commission to do around poetry and am working my way through how best to present it using letterpress, so this felt very timely.
Inside this unassuming book I found these other bibs and bobs. All rather lovely and interesting.
Still at the Scottish Poetry Library I came across this. A beautiful letterpress book of poems of bereavement, a bookmark instead of a card, and an envelope to post it away in. It struck me as a rather precious gift - a number of bereavement poems and a book mark.
The Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy introduces the book, and it s produced by Candlestick Press.
It was part of a series with others for critical moments in our lives, or for things we enjoy such as gardens. If you enjoy poetry I think receiving a gift like this would be grand.
And finally a simple, reproduced accordion book from Iona. It speaks of rock, sea, air and sky and is called White Strand of the Monks, Iona based on water-colour originals by Susan Harvey.
Would love to dip into them with you. sounds like a very special collection.
ReplyDeleteIt is an eclectic collection Penny, yet they are each and individually lovely.
Deletewhat a delight!
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly Mo!
DeleteYou have brought home reams of inspiration! Thank you for sharing...I'm inspired too.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much inspiration within these covers Dana - lots of ideas and thoughts being processed now. Glad they inspired you too!
DeleteAll so beautiful and yes, Shirley Jones does make everything including the boxes. What treasures to come across in the suitcase and fall in love with all over again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for confirming that Lesley - I imagined she would have but couldn't recall reading it. What a woman. And yes, every book evokes another memory and another smile...
DeleteI'm catching up on your blog and was totally struck with your book from Iona - stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerian - it is beautiful, simple, elegant book. Go well.
DeleteCatching up on your past posts today, F. This one caught my eye. Gerry Cambridge is an old friend of mine and a kindred spirit with whom you'd get along swimmingly. You'll understand what I mean when I tell you that on his first visit to nyc he made a beeline for the Fountain Pen Hospital downtown! Good to read your posts after a bit of a break, and see his words again as well!
ReplyDeleteOh my - how wonderful. I have just started popping into the book and am enjoying it greatly. He sounds very kindred spiritish indeed - will have to visit the FPH next time we are there! Go well.
Delete