First Print Drop Approaches

Happy New Year from Book Bombs! 2010's arrival means it is time for the bombing of the prints to begin.... Friday, January 8 will be the first installment. Check back next week for more details on where to look for them.

In the meanwhile, in that last end-of-year rush of donation requests, I'd like to recommend throwing some fiscal support in the direction of Project H.O.M.E. to support their comprehensive services towards empowering those who find themselves without a home.

This Paper is a Shirt

Finally Book Bombs is nearing the first printing. In preparation for this first print, we cut up old shirts and pants:

and then paper pulped them:

Keep an eye peeled for more on the printing, and at long last, the distribution....

What are your interactions with and as the homeless?

Book Bombs wants to know, what are your interactions or non-interactions with the homeless, or as the homeless? What stories, opinions, thoughts, experiences (good or bad), are you willing to share?

Post a comment here or email us at bookbombing (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Craft Night Invasion

This past week, Book Bombs invaded Craft Night at Katie's - Katie Baldwin's weekly studio gathering for arts and crafts. Our invasion focused on cutting up clothing to later be pulped for papermaking purposes. Our first print bombings will be printed on paper made from clothing and blankets, items that can alternately represent luxury or survival, allowing the actual fibers of our paper to embody the printed content. Some of our cuttings can be seen above.


In other news, the website for Mark/Remarque, the 2010 Southern Graphics Conference in Philadelphia is now live. Check out the upcoming demos and panels, particularly those featuring Book Bomber Mary Tasillo. Book Bombs will also be hosting a zine release party during the event, all are welcome to come get a free copy of the zine we will be producing as part of this project!

Philly Program to Prevent Foreclosures

Philadelphia's government is typically described as corrupt and disorganized, and that's when people are being polite. However, once in a while, Philly gets it right. Philadelphia's primary civil court has now adopted rules that state that no home may be foreclosed on and sold by the Sheriff's office with out a "conciliation conference," in which homeowners and lenders - such as Bank of America representatives - sit down face-to-face and create a workable compromise. Every homeowner facing foreclosure is provide counseling, and in some cases, a volunteer lawyer.

The plan has its critics, mostly that say the city is just prolonging the inevitable, but cities across the US are considering adopting the Philadelphia plan.

The New York Times covered this issue, providing a history of the plan's development, implementation, and criticism. To read the article, visit here.

Urban Invasives are Hot!

Watch out folks; paper from invasives is the next in thing. Reports are that Duke Riley's engraving in the New Prints 2009/Autumn show at the International Print Center New York is printed on paper made from phragmites. Incidentally phragmites were one of the first invasives to come to my attention after my sister came back from marine biology camp in high school. She was obsessed with them, and pointed them out everywhere. We were both obsessed with saying the word "phrag-mit-e." Evidently these invasives are found throughout Central Park in New York City. Thanks to Printeresting for the tip, and for the following visual aids:

Gearing up for January Print Bombings

Carving began this week on the first print of the Book Bombs project. The first print bombings will appear in Love Park and Christ Church Park on First Friday, January 8. As we gear up for Philagrafika 2010, check out Book Bombs and other upcoming independent projects here.