Stripped

Crossed-posted at Meanjin’s Spike, 1 March 2011.

Over lunch at Mr. Tulk some time back, former Meanjin editor Sophie Cunningham, writer Caroline Lee, designer Stuart Geddes and printer Carolyn Fraser – all friends – discussed design ideas for the jacket of the limited edition of Lee’s novel Stripped, which Cunningham published in installments in Meanjin during 2008-2010. Concepts were discussed; practical matters broached. Lee and Geddes floated ideas of degradation, mutability, a design broken down over the course of the print run. Fraser was seen to noticeably stiffen, and in response made clear that such a direction flew in the face of everything she stands for as a craftsperson, and soon left the table in a manner which may have been construed as in a huff, but was, in fact, simply due to her being in a rush. This is the stuff of collaboration.

Stripped will be published in a limited edition of 500. The covers were printed letterpress by Carolyn Fraser over two weekends on a Vandercook SP-15 Proof Press, using magnesium plates supplied by Owosso Graphics in Michigan, USA. The design, by Stuart Geddes, involves the overlay of a sans serif title page with a geometric form over the detailed pattern of Victorian-style typographic ornament. The original idea was to overlay white on red, however, despite its name – Opaque White – the white ink was definitely not opaque and was lost in the red background. After consultation with Geddes and Lee, it was decided to try red on red, with pleasing results. Ten hours later, the covers were ready.

Stripped will be launched on Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne from 5.30–7pm.

For further information, see www.carolinelee.com.au. Books can be purchased at Pozible.

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