Objects Are Closer Than They Appear/Look Yet Again

– Out of Print –

This book was conceived as an exercise in exploring the visual qualities of text and the narrative potential of imagery. Usually we try to marry the imagery to the text, letting the images enhance the meaning of the text. here, we decided to locate the text and imagery in distinct areas so that they could each stand alone. Even so, their mutual influence is still felt. The students wrote stories inspired by a small object of some importance that each brought to the typography class. They worked hard through many drafts to present a strongly visual text through the words. In the end, each story was not really about the object but what it represents. They wove tales without specifically naming the object. That allowed them to play with the imagery as if it were a treasure map, giving multiple clues. We were inspired by Edward Tufte’s magnificent three volumes: The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Envisioning Information, and Visual Explanations, as well as by the structure of ancient maps and use of symbols therein. We encourage you to spend some time discovering our treasures.We printed on luscious hand-ripped Somerset Satin, Rives BFK and receptive Mohawk Superfine papers. The type was hand set in contrasting fonts so as to set off each text. Garamond and Weiss Initials were used for the front and back matter. We mixed Gans printing ink colors to represent the objects and help set apart the texts from each other. Measurements of the objects were taken and recorded as bar graphs, constellations were created and story paths recorded. Colors delineating the objects were divided as to percentage of occurrence. All this information was gathered and configured on a Macintosh computer and relief plates were made for printing. The color charts were hand painted with acrylics using Duralar stencils. The stimulus for the maps shape came from pop-up city maps found at Barnes and noble. We were inspired by our split fountain colors to choose a purple bookcloth and exotic purple and black banana paper for the dos a dos binding. There are 84 copies in the edition. The size of the book is 7.625 wide x 11.375″ tall.

Order a Book from Scripps College Press

If you would like to purchase a copy of the books or broadsides, please send a check, payable to the Scripps College Press, to the address below. Please add California sales tax of 8.75% if book is in stock, and a shipping fee of $12.00 per book.

Become a Patron

If you wish to become a standing order patron, you will receive 20% off the list price of the books and will receive each book immediately after it is completed. We complete a collaborative book each semester. Please indicate with your order if you wish to become a subscriber.
Scripps College Press 1030 Columbia Ave. #2025 Claremont, CA 91711 Attn: Tia Blassingame
If you would like more information, please call (909) 607-3866.
« »