Listen: notes From the field

Simi Valley, CA: Pie in the Sky Press, 2024. Number 11 of 25 copies signed by the book artist. Rebecca Chamlee is a book artist, printer, writer, and bookbinder who has published a number of innovatively designed, letterpress printed, limited-edition fine press and artist’s books under the imprint of Pie In The Sky Press since 1986. Her work is in prominent special and private collections throughout the U.S. and has been exhibited widely. As a self-taught naturalist and citizen scientist, Rebecca’s artist’s books examine the intersection of her artistic and scientific interests by collecting and cataloging the natural world. [from the artist's website]. (truncated)

This is an exceptionally interesting and engaging book from Chamlee's Press. In the prospectus she writes that she is an avid backyard bird watcher. "Away from home I'm more of a bird listener. I hear them everywhere." She describes her book as "a personal investigation into the sounds of birds; what the vocalizations mean and how they differ from bird to bird. Utilizing a 'sit spot' routine allowed the natural world to unfold before my eyes and ears in a way I'd never experienced in the years of exploring trails on foot in a nearby wildland park, In a comfortable spot in nature I sit, slow down and observe to discover the wonder in the moment." The book was printed in the winter and spring of 2023-2024 on a Vandercook Universal III power press using handset Deepdene and wood types on Zerkall text wove and Nideggen papers. It is case bound in orange cloth with a title label on the cover. It is accompanied by a companion volume, "Listen to the Corvids" with green paper covers, and both books are stored in a gray paper covered hinged box that also includes an Audubon bird call toy in a slot on the box that is under the book. The beautiful original photographs of various species of birds that illustrate both books were shot out Chamlee's studio window with a Nikon 850 with a 500mm telephoto lens and printed in four colors using photopolymer plates. Accompanied by the prospectus. In fine condition. Listen: notes from the field is 5 x 8 inches and has 72 pages; Listen to the Corvids measures 7.5 x 11 inches and has 12 pages. The box measures 7.75 x 11.25 x 2 inches. ARTB/032825. (Inventory #: 37870)