First Impressions

Since we're talking about printing, I thought I'd share some work from my fellow letterpress printers. First, let's start with Peter Koch, the man to whom I owe my introduction to the craft. His designs draw largely from his Montana heritage, and he has produced many beautiful books. This is a page from my very favorite, a book called "Zebra Noise" with wood engravings and poems by Robert Wagener.

Next, we have Richard Seibert, who has taught me so much about printing over the years, and who works magic with his press. This is one of his greeting cards, based on an antique engraving of a pair of cherries. I think it's gorgeous, and I wish you could see the print quality!

During the time I spent at Peter's shop, I was fortunate enough to work with Victoria Heifner of Milkfed Press. Victoria is an accomplished bookbinder as well as printer, and I think her work is stunning. It's so hard to pick just one image of hers, but this is a notecard you can purchase on her site. Take a look around while you're there- everything is lovely.

I of course must mention Olivia San Mateo, of Olive-Route Design & Letterpress, with whom I share my shop. Via's work has grown enormously during the time I have known her, and I can't rave enough about it. Her specialty is wedding work, although she also designs beautiful social stationery and ephemera.

Another local friend and mentor is Rori Zendek, of Paper Monkey Press. She also does gorgeous weddings, but my favorites are always her notecards, which I used to sell in my shop. Here's a beautiful card that reflects Rori's punk rock style!

I think it's nice to see so many creative, talented people printing letterpress work that doesn't conform to the current trends. Letterpress has definitely become more popular in the last few years, and it seems like new companies are popping up all the time. A lot of them are doing really interesting work, but sometimes it seems like the majority are just jumping on the train. It's really rare to find young printers who have actually apprenticed or spent any time learning from the older generation of printers, and I think it's a shame because those men and women have so much to offer. Not that I don't admire those who have the guts to up and buy a press and then teach themselves how to use it, but it definitely makes me feel good to know the people who have passed on the tradition of printing the way it has been for 400 years.