STAMPED, the last publication of 2021

A few weeks ago I posted that I'd produced what was likely the last publications of 2021. I was wrong. Over the last two weeks I was able to write and publish STAMPED, a minimalist poem-essay on subject of rubber-stamped publications.

STAMPED pays homage to Barbara Caruso, a painter, writer, publisher, and soul-mate to poet and bookseller Nelson Ball. Through her rubber-stamped chapbook press, presspresspress Barbara produced tiny publications in tiny print runs. I was lucky enough to be gifted nearly the entire collection which was published in the late 80s and early 90s. Despite their tiny size, they have become a huge inspiration to my own work. Her books are all delicate and well thought out. The amount of detail and work put into each copy is it’s quite apparent.

The paper used in the production of STAMPED was donated to Puddles of Sky Press by the estate of Nelson Ball and Barbara Caruso. It is the same paper and card stock she used for her presspresspress chapbooks. I feel so lucky and honored to have the opportunity to publish chapbooks with these materials. As a thank you for inspiration and example this chapbook is dedicated to Barbara. 

You can find out more, and order a copy on the CHAPBOOKS page.