Hello and welcome

It’s lovely to see you here. Below you’ll find the latest news about what’s happening in &Duck world. Click on WORK WRITING (menu, above) to see posts about my work and activities (they are listed in order of date like a normal blog, but there are categories & tags in the sidebar to help you find the things you’re interested in) or check the LIST OF WORKS (menu) to see what’s been added, or have a look at the galleries (sidebar) to see images. You can also follow  the Ampersand Duck Facebook page for more immediate updates.

Right Now

I am printing up a storm, working on a small book of engraved wood type, planning my next Book Art Object publication and some broadsides and having fun making a zine with long-time collaborator byrd.

My two 2011 Broadside Residents have almost finished their projects!  Heleni Laisk is working with my type ornaments to create something akin to fictional botanic illustration. If you would like to get a feel for her work and thoughts, here are a few links.

Jonathan Webster, who graduated as a painter, is hand-rolling some wood type to accompany text that he’s written himself. Here’s a blog link for him.

At the end of November I selected more residents from the pool of graduating students emerging from the ANU School of Art. This is part of the Emerging Artists Support Scheme (EASS) run by the art school annually. It was a tough choice, but I finally selected Merryn Sommerville and Louise Upshall. I’m so looking forward to interacting with these two young talents later in the year.

I’m also working with artists on their own projects within my studio. Tanya Myshkin will be a regular visitor and we’ll be working together to make the most of her exquisite wood engravings. If you’ve never seen her work before, take the time to look at her wonderful prints.

My summer project was to sort and catalogue all of the type in my studio, and I printed a type sampler so that I can show visitors and clients what I can use — and to make life easier for myself! I’ve scanned and mounted it online here, and there are a limited number of hard copies for sale.

Upcoming events

12 May: I’m teaching a one-day bookbinding class at Megalo Arts Access.

In May I am also participating at the end of a four-week children’s programme called Create Your Own Book at CMAG. Details here. Places available, suited for 9-12yos, with the first three weeks taught by illustrator/artist Annika Romeyn and I come in for the last week (May 26) to help bind and cover the books! It should be marvellous fun.

2 – 6 July: I’m running a week-long workshop at the Sturt Winter School in Mittagong called ‘The Complete Book’, which is about planning and making artist’s books. It’s a little bit different from my last few classes there, as this time we’ll spend time on content as well as technique. Places available, book now!

August, dates TBC
I’m having an exhibition at the UNSW@ADFA Library Gallery, showcasing my Dunedin broadside folio and a number of new broadsides.

There’s more things coming along all the time, so keep checking back here for updates!