Journal
Joshua’s jots from journeys Along the Grain
Too exhausted to write
Today when I was stewarding the gate. All giddy at first, high spirits letting the hands show the way and the voice lead after. Appreciating the weather and people's smiles. But as I’ve come to the end I’m too fuckin exhausted to write. All I wanna do is pick up the pen and have my rent covered as I scribble away all these thoughts from my head until there’s nothing left but…
Emptiness
I’m too exhausted to write
All I wanna do is write
But I’m so fuckin tired
Tired from two days of work back standing on the feet
It’s been so long and I’m already fuckin exhausted
Characters in my head beating me up for being a fucking pussy
Others chiming in to remind of leg beaters
It’s okay to be tired
But all I wanna do is write, make, and have my least expenses covered without having to break my back
I’m just too tired to write.
But maybe this is the fight.
Or the flight and glide between struggle and ease
The ease of the words that fall from this tongue
But it’s not the tongue this time that writes but the the thumbs that type on this metal one I carry everywhere
Ye I’m too tired for this
But maybe I’m not as I feel the words spill from my gut
I can feel the heatstroke softening
The legs that were stiff now softening
The thoughts it my head that fought now softening
Maybe this is okay
It doesn’t have to be perfect because of this ringing in my head
WRITE EVERYFUCKING DAY
how dare you miss one how you so shit
You can’t even be consistent for a bit
But nah it’s okay
Coz maybe this is all it takes
Just a few words that spill on a trip home from chaos to calm
The opposite of the second law of therma
But for me this is the first
Don’t fight, no perfecto pls, just write man and
Breatheeeee
123
outtttttt
12
And you’re free
Your body has all the clues
The secrets from your past are there
The clues to your future are there
Listen to your body
Feel where the pain is inside and out
Once locked in and onto the point listen deeper
There is a trail to follow
Give in and go
There isn’t much difference between the body and mind as you might think.
If you’re aware it will make itself known.
Just be willing to submit to your own body.
The clues are already there.
They’re just waiting for you to find them.
A Rahel Zoller Talk
Book artist, designer, publisher, writer.
Self-publishing and artist books
The form of the book in relation to the content
Materiality
Contemporary experimental publishing
The book as experience
“The Never Ending Story”
Visualizing the story.
How can you prompt the reader with subtle design choices?
The theory of semiotics
“The inner monologue of a book”
Personify the book
It has its own spirit.
Reflects on its own being.
Document the change of print on demand through time.
Head, tail, and spine. The origin of this comes from leather books. Grain direction from the head to the tail of the animal skin leather came from. Parallel to the spine.
Break down language through the culture differences of the book layout.
She did an artist residency in Japan.
Western version of the book; Head, Tail, Spine.
Japanese version of the book; Sky, Ground, Spine.
Wow, just wow. Beautiful. What does that say about the scope of physical and poetic possibilities of the book for each culture?
The metaphor to re-think the book.
Play on breaking industry and societal norms.
Copyright for written material ends 70 years after author’s death.
1800s books? What can you play with?
Self-publishing books, sell then make more.
Mark Fischer - Towards a Self-sustaining publishing model
Catalogue of mistakes
Mistakes will always be a part of the process
Materiality
How can a book speak by itself through material?
Artists book collective - everyone pays a yearly fee of around £180, this goes towards going to book fairs.
You make all these books, but where do you show it?
Recycled material bookstands
Book furniture
Be careful because it may look so precious people don’t want to touch it.
Books that transform your thinking.
Think Well.
How can you illuminate hidden histories through the story on top of the story?
Refusing to be forgotten.
“I don’t want this to be forgotten”
Immortalise it through print.
Don’t be scared of print on demand. Everything doesn’t have to be handmade. Choose with care what you make in special editions. Longer projects (writing-wise) can be PoD. Don’t be afraid to tape and staple. It doesn’t have to be “bound”.
-
Small content
The most beautiful thing to you.
Produce 100 copies.
Thread bind.
Make an edition.
Moment of fulfilment - when Title, Materiality, and Form all come together in Mind
Lean into the conceptual
What’s the narrative and how do these elements translate to tell the story; materiality or form or both?
White covers struggle to sell in bookshops because they get dirty easily.
Can you lean into this element?
Tree-free paper?
Can the paper make a connection to the intent, a subtle link; thread, colour, print colour?
-
One of the most enlightening points from the talk was her insightful comparison of cultural perspectives on book element names. In the Western tradition, we refer to these as Head, Tail, and Spine, whereas in Japan, they’re known as Sky, Ground, and Spine. This stark contrast beautifully illustrates the divergence in mindset between my own culture and the one that continually inspires me. It transcends the merely human, hinting at a broader, more cosmic frame of mind.
A Night of Artistic Convergence: Well Meets at No Quarter Gallery
In the heart of creative camaraderie, the first "Well Meets" night unfolded at the No Quarter Gallery, a sanctuary for artistic expression nestled in the city's vibrant cultural landscape. On a crisp evening, artists from a diverse collective convened at Luke's gallery to inaugurate a series of gatherings aimed at fostering connections, sharing inspirations, and celebrating the diverse talents within their community.
The ambiance within No Quarter Gallery was nothing short of electric, as the air buzzed with anticipation and the walls adorned with Luke's captivating paintings set the stage for an evening of creative discourse. Luke, a visionary artist known for his thought-provoking and visually arresting works, graciously opened his space to the emerging artists eager to unveil the stories behind their own creations.
As attendees meandered through the gallery, they found themselves not only immersed in the brushstrokes of Luke's masterpieces but also surrounded by the palpable energy of artistic exchange. The first "Well Meets" night was an informal yet profound affair, with each artist seizing the opportunity to introduce themselves and offer a glimpse into their unique artistic narratives.
Against the backdrop of Luke's evocative canvases, the artists shared the essence of their creative journeys, providing insights into the mediums, themes, and inspirations that fueled their work. From painters exploring the interplay of light and shadow to sculptors shaping form from raw materials, the diversity of talents within the collective was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The synergy between the artists and Luke's paintings was undeniable, as the colors, textures, and emotions embedded in the artwork became a catalyst for animated discussions. The gallery space transformed into a melting pot of ideas, where seasoned artists exchanged tips with emerging talents, and the boundaries between disciplines blurred in the spirit of collaborative exploration.
"No Quarter Gallery," already known for its commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, became a nexus for the burgeoning "Well Meets" community. Luke's paintings served as silent collaborators, sparking conversations that transcended conventional introductions and delved into the very essence of artistic expression.
As the night unfolded, it became evident that the inaugural "Well Meets" gathering was not merely an event—it was a catalyst for a burgeoning artistic movement. The intersection of diverse talents within the gallery's embrace laid the foundation for future collaborations, exhibitions, and a shared journey into the boundless realms of creativity.
In the dim glow of gallery lights and amidst the tapestry of Luke's paintings, the artists of "Well Meets" found not only kindred spirits but also the promise of a dynamic and supportive community that would continue to redefine the city's artistic landscape. The first night at No Quarter Gallery was a testament to the transformative power of shared creativity, setting the stage for a series of gatherings that would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the city's artistic tapestry.
P.E.A.C.E
First Reading at Fusebox
On the night of December 20th, 2023, the city of Kingston played host to an event that brought together poetry and the infant works of book arts.
The venue for this “soirée” was the welcoming space of FuseBox, a cultural hub below river. The reading was a journey through the human experience, touching upon themes of love, loss, resilience, and the profound beauty found in everyday moments. The simultaneous exhibition of Well Books, in its prenatal form, showcased the evolution of the craft, from the early raw emotions of my debut work to the nuanced and mature reflections found in my latest creations—an ode to the enduring magic of language and the boundless possibilities of books.
P.E.A.C.E
