Just ran across this new graphic design / printmaking book released by Gestalten.

“Today’s graphic designers, illustrators, and typographers are rediscovering old printing techniques and handcrafts. They are inspired by passion for the unique; the feel of different papers, press cuts, and embossing; the brilliance of printing inks; and the originality of book binding techniques. The book Impressive presents the results of this passion.”

“Today’s fascination with old-fashioned printing presses and techniques started with individual designers and smaller collectives that created one-of-a-kind printed material by hand for special occasions, such as weddings or birthdays. Impressive features these artists and their personal work as well as a broad range of business cards, invitations, stationery, and publications that are designed and produced in a way that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Historical styles – from the Victorian grandeur of floral elements and adornments to the aesthetics of classical modernism – are used and referenced as well as combined and reinterpreted in unusual ways. Traditional and more exotic techniques such as silk-screen printing, stamping, woodcut, or linocut are used. What counts is doing it yourself.”

A new documentary on the great printer Amos Kennedy Jr. is making its way across the U.S. Judging by the trailer, I will say that it’s definitely an interesting story to say the least. I love his work (I already own a few fine prints), and will absolutely check it out when it hits Milwaukee.

Really great, inspirational work from printer Amos Kennedy Jr. He had an excellent show at Redline here in Milwaukee a couple of weeks back. I left with an armload of prints. Also check out the new documentary about him by Laura Zinger.