I utilize printmaking in the book form to address issues of race and racism in the United States. Employing a mixture of poetry, typography, printmaking and book arts techniques like relief printing, etching, screenprinting, lithography, letterpress printing, hand papermaking and bookbinding, I examine African American architectural, spatial and cultural history, racial prejudices and perception. As many of my pieces deal with historical racism, I employ period typefaces to create a look and ambiance that transports the viewer to the appropriate era. Because of its tactile nature and impression on the page, letterpress printing invites the viewer to connect immediately and then dissect the text and images slowly.
Disturbing images and histories rendered using wooden or metal letters or an etching plate can be atmospheric and intriguing. Instead of repelling the viewer, artists’ books can allow for a nuanced discussion on issues of race to unfold with each page turn. The reader/viewer can locate themselves within the book as they create their own path to view and connect deeply with the book, its text and prints, history itself.
