ABLE

Able is a small book of affirmations for the “mystically” and chronically ill, created from a single sheet of paper, eight 2x2 inch block prints, 12 point type, and a desire to communicate the strength of being. Image and text come together to create a simple display of solidarity and a reflection of my human experience with an invisible disability.

The process began with a scrappy first draft of a ten page booklet along with a visceral need for beasts to come to life. Each rubber block was hand carved to illustrate some sort of creature that would be represented by a power word. I set eight singular lines of type using Typewriter Randomness 12pt, making a careful arrangement of each component in order to print everything simultaneously. I measured the spacing for the sheet of paper then glued each block onto thick pieces of cardboard until they were about type high. Using the magic of the Vandercook Press, I was able to print out flat sheets of what I would fold into books.

The tools I used for that process were a bone folder, PVA glue, a ruler, a measuring mat, an x-acto knife, a heavy weight straight edge, a stamp pad for the Title Page, and bricks to flatten them! There are twelve books in total.

● The snake, resilience

● The dragon, capability

● The fish, abundance

● The unicorn, renewal

● The cat, tenacity

● The wolf, prowess

● The sphinx, resolve

● The bug, endurance