At Hamilton Wayzgoose, I would like to share my journey over the last decade. Creating artist books and prints has been a voyage of self-discovery. Through each creation, I’ve found solace and purpose, even when feeling isolated in my craft.
One of the most significant pieces is “Homage to NMAAHC,” a flag book that pays tribute to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. And one of my most recent prints is the Bent Letterpress poster, featuring Dr. King’s powerful quote: “A man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent.” It reminds me to be resilient in the face of adversity.
In collaboration with Lauren Emeritz, “SPACE: Known/Unknown” delves into book arts, using “space” as a metaphor. Our series of 14 sewn-bound artist books invites viewers to explore the interplay between the familiar and the unknown.
Moreover, “A Mother’s Love” Print celebrates the legacy of my grandmother, Mary Ruth. Despite only having an eighth-grade education, she was a prolific writer, and I honor her through this print. Scanning images of her poetry into Photoshop and turning them into polymer plates, I created a variable edition that celebrates her, her handwriting, and her sacrifice. Each print is a tribute to her resilience and love, reminding me of her enduring influence on my creative journey.
Through my presentation, I will show and talk about my transformative journey from liking to hating and then falling in love with letterpress. I hope to celebrate the power of print to shape personal and collective narratives, finding faith in our creative identities together.
