(To see what in the world I’m talking about, here’s Part 1)

My dad is here this week and we’re (he’s) getting our apartment seriously organized and outfitted with much-needed shelving he’s built for us (although anyone can see he’s really made the trip to visit my 2 feet, 2 inches tall assistant!).

This year, I’m excited to get Dad’s book on the schedule and get it printed and bound. Of course, it’s going to take a while, and some pretty rock solid planning.

We have the entire book of stories laid out and we’ll do another pass over it together while Dad’s here. Once that’s all ok, we’ll work with Boxcar to have photopolymer plates made. Then we’ll figure out when I can get myself to The Arm for some marathon printing sessions on one of their large presses. Then, it’s on to the binding, so we’re also going to take a look at cover materials in the next few days and make sure we have those all squared away.

Fine press books are sort of a world unto themselves, and it’s a world in to which I’m excited to jump. Some of the beauties I’ve drooled at over the years include Harry Duncan’s books (which have long held a place if prominence on my parents’ shelves – check out an older post on Harry).

I’ve also gotten excited by some of the beautiful work being done by Paper Dragon Books here in Brooklyn, Mia Leijonstedt in the UAE (who has a gorgeous new site), and Jana Pullman in Minneapolis.

We’re not taking a stab at anything so intricate as their designs this time around (and do try to take a peek at their sites, if you have a little extra time – it’s so worth it), but their level of work is inspiring and definitely something to which I aspire.

That, of course, is a key element of my work – and probably almost anyone’s: there is always so much more to learn. I have a long list of techniques, structures, and styles that I hope to get to some day. For now, it’s just nice to know I’ll never be bored again.

Back to work!