Lets find some joy …

Before I retired maybe ten years ago, I spent the day in Leicester with a graphic designer and typographer who taught me how to make a booklet using his press ( a beautiful beast whose name escapes me) my type high lino cuts and his type from a selection of many fonts and sizes.

We made some booklets that I have since sold.

We have remained friends and I have continued to make booklets and cards using a similar technique with my much smaller Adana Press.

However, I have found that using desktop publishing software (with guidance from another friend) and my drawings I can make booklets or Zines I like to call them. With interesting recycled card and paper I have a pleasing result.

The subject matter is pertinent to my mood and place in a world that is becoming increasingly uncomfortable for me.  While I don’t want to dwell on the hardships I want to celebrate the good and the honourable in my life and that of my family.  Mainly my parents who for all their shortcomings and I could wax lyrical (or not) about that. Instead champion the part they played directly or indirectly in my life. My experience with teachers in school as child was not one, I really want to celebrate so lest said the better.  However, I do want to pay homage to teachers and facilitators more recently, like Nick and Michael who have helped me so kindly often with little or no payment … helping me find a way to become an artist.

Besides that, I want to remind myself of the beauty in this fragile world … no more wasting time with grievance, shame and regret … but seeing the joy.