The Island—Novella won a coveted spot in the 50 Books | 50 Covers of 2014 competition organized by Design Observer.
The Island—Novella won a coveted spot in the 50 Books | 50 Covers of 2014 competition organized by Design Observer.
The Island is the result of a 2013 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. Every aspect of this book was created by the three principle collaborators on this project: illustrator Nate Christopherson, writer Josiah Titus and designer Karl Engebretson, and it could not have happened without the support of many additional talented individuals. The book was printed at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts using a combination of lead type, photo polymer plates and wood blocks, with consultation and guidance from master printer Dave Setterholm. The red oak, lilac, and apple wood blocks were harvested and milled by Reid Knutson and were planed by Charlie Christopherson. Tara Sweeney provided instrumental design advice and mentorship in the book binding process. Editorial assistance was provided by Patrick Thomas, Luke Finsaas and Carlee Alson. The Island is the culmination of two and a half years of work under the premise that a book should be a beautiful tactile object. It is our best work and we are proud to present it to you. The Island produced an edition size of 100 and copies are available for $120. Broadsides of the illustrated pages are also available. If you are interested in a copy please contact notswords@gmail.com