Vía Láctea, a verse novel by Ellen Waterston, makes its debut as an art book.
On Friday, November 15 at 5:30pm, Atelier 6000, a nonprofit printmaking studio and gallery specializing in book arts, will host the launch of both the art book and trade version of Bend author and poet Ellen Waterston’s verse novel Vía Láctea. “Vía Lactéa is being published by Atelier 6000 both as an elegant limited edition, hand-printed fine art book and as a perfect-bound soft cover book.
The creation of the art book is a collaboration between publisher Atelier 6000, writer Ellen Waterston, illustrator Ron Schultz, typographer and book designer Thomas Osborne, and printer and binder Sandy Tilcock, all of whom will be present at the book release to comment on this dynamic collaboration.
“This is an excellent, high-quality art book. Paired with a trade version, it is a unique publishing model that has been exciting to pioneer,” states Pat Clark, founder and director of Atelier 6000. She will start the evening with a brief presentation on the multifaceted “art of art books,” will introduce the members of the creative team, including Ellen Waterston, who will read a selection of poems from Vía Láctea. Wine and hors d’oeuvre will be served.
Vía Lactéa, Waterston’s third collection of poetry, is a fictionalized account of her April 2012 pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. It is a book that anyone who has traveled, or plans to travel, the Camino should not be without.
The title of Vía Lactéa is a reference to the fact that the Milky Way is always overhead when walking the Camino. The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain.
Poet Judith Barrington, author of three volumes of poetry, offered this observation about the book: “In a time when paths and ‘old ways’ are the subject of much writing, Ellen Waterston has found an entirely new way to record her footsteps as they seek out a new direction in her modern life, even while following old traditions. …Those who don’t usually seek out poetry will find this a compelling read, while those who do will appreciate the craft and creative innovation.”
“This stunning collection of poetic forms, rhythmically and lyrically, give movement to this fine work of art and reflection of a seeker for whom there is no cure except to walk,” stated Marianne Borg, a retired Episcopal priest and founder of the Center for Spiritual Development in Portland, Ore. “By embarking on this literary and spiritual path before you, the Vía Lactéa, you too consent to undergo the three stages of the Camino itself: exhilaration, pain, surrender.”
Bend artist Ron Schultz created 15 original prints for the art book. His engravings, lithographs and etchings have been exhibited extensively in California and Oregon, and are included in many private collections. He has also worked as a book and technical illustrator and graphic artist. He currently instructs printmaking at Atelier 6000.
Sandy Tilcock of lonegoose press in Eugene, Ore., who printed and bound the art book by hand, is a world-renowned typographer and bookbinder recognized for her impeccable and imaginative craftsmanship in typographic design and letterpress printing. Winner of numerous awards, her work is in the collections of 26 universities and libraries in the United States, Canada and Europe. The graphic artistry of Thomas Osborne, who designed the layout and set the type for both the art book and the trade version of “Vía Láctea,” shapes the look of many of the most handsome books and journals in the Northwest.
He lives in Terrebonne, Ore. To schedule readings of “Vía Láctea” or for more information about Ellen Waterston and “Vía Láctea,” visit The Making of Vía Láctea on Ellen Waterston’s Writing Ranch website, email info@thewritingranch.com or call 541-480-3933. Learn more about Atelier 6000 at www.atelier6000.org, call 541-330-8759 or email a6@atelier6000.org.
Atelier 6000, a nonprofit professional printmaking and book arts studio, is located at 389 SW Scalehouse Court, Suite 120, in Bend’s Old Mill District. Directions: From US Highway 97, turn west on Wilson Ave. Turn right at Scalehouse Loop, and then right on Scalehouse Ct. Enter the parking lot. Atelier 6000’s entrance is the second office from the left.
About Atelier 6000’s Presentation Gallery
A6 Presentation Gallery strives to provide the viewing audience with original forms of art demonstrating a wide variety of subject matter and techniques as well as introduce a springboard for discussion on “what’s what” in edition prints, original prints and book arts.
