I approach print-making and design work through the written word, as a writer and poet foremost, with an interest in creatively reimagining the viewer's relationship to written content. First introduced to letterpress printing through the Independent Publishing Resource Center in Portland, Oregon, I formally pursued the craft during my MFA program at the University of Michigan. There, my training took place through hands-on apprenticeships with Megan O'Connell of Salt + Cedar in Detroit, and wood engraver James Horton, while I served as Managing Editor for Wolverine Press.
I have led Introduction to Printmaking courses through public libraries and used letterpress printing to inform poetry workshops for high schoolers. I continue to host workshops with teens, students, and professionals
The Index Press, Co-Founder
A quarterly letterpress print subscription service. Each issue contains poetry, prose, art, and ephemera. We feature newly acquired work, as well as the debris collected over centuries. Collaborating with my two fellow co-founders, we curate texts and images for each seasonal issue and divide the design, printing, distribution, and social media work. Together, we collaborate on maintaining an HTML website to document each issue in full. The Index Press has featured new work from Anne Waldman, Taneum Bambrick, Marlin Jenkins, K. Faust, Nick Harp, S. Erin Batiste, and original artwork by Tanner Petch.
Glory to All Fleeting Things, S. Erin Batiste. Featured in Issue 5 of The Index.
The Magi, William Butler Yeats. Feature in Issue 5 of The Index.
a text selection from the Author's Note to The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Sometimes It's Hard to Find a Thing to Risk, K. Faust. Featured in Issue 4 of The Index.
a cave had no light yet letters emanated, Anne Waldman. Featured in Issue 2 of The Index.
A selection of prints from Issue 2 of The Index.
A quotation from Poems, Protest and a Dream by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. Featured in the prospectus Issue 0 of The Index.
Sky-Gaze, Anne Waldman
After Picasso's "Head of a Woman", Taneum Bambrick
Dickinson Prints, Proprietor
A private letterpress printing studio dedicated to creative projects with writers and clients interested in creative craftsmanship. Using a combination of lead type, wood type, vintage image blocks, and custom-designed graphics, I carry each project from first ideation through design and production. I print primarily on a 10x15 New Style Chandler & Price Press originally sourced from Mary's City of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
A broadside collaboration with poet Alicia Mountain
The press, a 10x15 New Style Chandler & Price
Wedding invitations only available for special occasions
Wolverine Press, Managing Editor
My first position as a printer's devil (apprentice) was at the letterpress imprint associated with my MFA program. Our work centered around the visiting writers series at the University of Michigan. Each year, we selected from the lineup of visiting writers, then designed and printed broadsides to distribute to the audience members and to gift to the writer. As Managing Editor, I expanded our work to also feature writing from my peers in the program, took small commissions for custom projects, and used our resources to make protest posters. I designed and printed small selections and short poems to supplement readings, book releases, and other events.
