February 24, 2010
Pretty Tactile Audio Visual
Pilot recently came into possession of two new releases from Poor Claudia (named after a Portland drinking hole, not a sad person). Made me want to write a whole post about better-than-perfect-bound book projects.
The first is Poor Claudia the second. Over twenty loose sheets of poetry and art folded into a screen print cardboard sheath. Damn fine presentation of nineteen authors’ work, including Jenny Boully, Carrie Seitzinger, James Gendron, and Zachary Schomburg (see him here March 27).
Reminds me of another beloved quarterly, Tuesday; An Art Project.
Their standard format is a paper-wrapped bundle of poems, photographs, and prints.
This latest issue, Spring 2010, features such artists as Amy Thompson and Belarusian poet Valzhyna Mort (so good!), dealing with subjects as diverse as panhandling for sperm (Katy Richey) and racism (Afaa Michael Weaver), negro hospitals (Cynthia Parker-Ohene) and yellow afternoons (Marc Harshman).
Poor Claudia’s second new release is not a journal or periodical of any kind. It’s Little Blind Thing, twelve film-poems by Zachary Schomburg.
The film-poems blend video and music with written words – new poems and poems from Zachary’s previous projects. Feels a bit like The Books (the band) and what they project on-screen during performances. I like the effect because I’m aware of my own participation in creating text (the text, the experience of text, hypertext, a new text) more so than when I’m reading off a silent page.
This brings me to the final act – a series of books + music produced by Monofonus Press.
Their multimedia IF Series pairs authors with bands or musicians and scores warm moist brownie points for screen printed, textured, belly-banded packaging. Issues 1 through 5 combine mini-book and CD. After 5 you get chapbooks, vinyl, and self-help guides for people cursed/blessed with a low self-esteem and a high (like stupid high) sense of humor. You’re invited to the shop for a look and a listen.
If you can’t make it in but want to purchase something, maybe, email pilot[at]pilotbooksseattle[dot]com.
Small Press Bookfest
Pilot is pulling out all the stops for March (national small press month). Come shake the hands and hear the voices of local and exotic authors. Sit in on a workshop. Drink a cup of tea or wine. Ask a publisher how the they do what they do. Celebrate books and the people who make them happen.
(I know this is for print, but I couldn’t resist posting online. Click the calendar for a better view.)
February 5, 2010
Nice Website
What? This old thing? Pilot officially thanks Nikki Burch and Vivian Hua for their bleeding fingers and zen-like patience.
February 4, 2010
LICK Call for Writing Submissions
LICK is an upcoming exhibition of wounds and the potential beauty behind the healing process. Sparkling gemstones spill out of candy-like wounds made from detailed copper forms that blend into selectively exposed skin of ten men and women.
LICK is also a book accompanying the exhibition, and will include photographs of the wounds in context on the models, along with written works by the selected authors.
Writing guidelines:
Writers are asked to compose a 2 – 750 word piece relating to a particular wound. The writing may be fiction or non-fiction in any genre, serious or funny, etc. You’re encouraged to pursue this project in any way you feel most inclined. There will be 10 wounds and 10 writers.
In return for your writing you will receive:
-A free copy of the book and discounts on additional copies
-The opportunity to do a reading of your work at a special VIP reception at Traver Gallery in Seattle
-The opportunity to have your work published
Please send all submissions to Catherine Grisez (artist/sculptor) at ktgrisez[at]hotmail[dot]com and Mae Emerick (writer/editor) at mae.emerick[at]gmail[dot]com.
By the deadline February 15th, 2010.
Please include the WOUND TITLE in the subject header of your submission.
Thank you, everyone.