The Book of Walls and Flowers

A few weeks ago, in my role as lecturer, along with my colleagues we facilitated two weeks of workshops for our students to try to fill the gaps in what they had missed during a crazy year of lockdowns and online learning. They were frenzied days of making, using lighting, cameras, darkroom techniques and cameraless photography, producing portraits of each other and still lives of the local flora. Nothing can compare to the energy produced from working collaboratively, in a physical space.

The Book of Walls and Flowers was produced during the final stage of those workshops, exploring sequencing, editing, design and bookbinding. The students’ names collectively author the publication. It tells the story of a specific place, time and experience. It serves as a record and expression of our combined learning and activities.

Although not one of the Silvergrass press projects, the sharing, collaboration and negotiation that took place through this process caused me to reflect on and confirm my intentions for this publishing project. The act of making this work, its physical presence in book form and its ability to ignite dialogue and conversation, embodies the concept of a social object.

Special editions were created with bookboard covers, acetate inserts and pressed flower pockets. ‘Trade’ editions with a simple saddle stitch, all printed on recycled paper.