San Diego Unseen: An Urban Portrait
Courtesy of Power and Light Press
When Kyle Durrie posted her project idea on Kickstarter, she didn't know if people would respond. But, oh, did they ever.
The Portland-based letterpress artist wanted to combine her love of letterpress printing and road trips with a cross-country tour that involved a 1982 Chevy step van converted into a fully functional—and mobile—letterpress print shop. She set her Kickstarter goal at $8,000 and, just a few weeks later, saw pledges skyrocket to more than $17,000.
After a lot of preparation, Durrie hit the road and kicked off a yearlong journey that, she hopes, will turn people on to the simplistic beauty of handmade letterpress print. She'll be driving around North America in what she calls the Moveable Type truck, making stops to teach workshops, do demos and spread "the good word about printing the old-fashioned way." She's wants people to get inspired and perhaps figure out ways they can do something handmade and creative themselves.
"I thought that was totally aligned with what we do here," said Sophia Hall, owner of Make Good, a shop in South Park that specializes in local, handmade goods.
Just a few hours ago, Hall got a phone call from Durrie, who asked if she could set up shop in front of Hall's South Park boutique.
"I'm actually making dinner for her right now," Hall said during a phone interview. "She's on the road and she's supposed to be here in a few hours. She wants to set up in front of the store tomorrow."
And so it is. Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., Durrie's Power and Moveable Type truck will be parked curbside in front of Make Good (2207 Fern St.). Swing by and do some hands-on printing or just check out the equipment. Durrie will also be selling Print and Power Press prints, which Hall loves.
"I can't wait to buy a few of those prints myself," she said.
Email kinseem@sdcitybeat.com with your story, tips, news and questions. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
The Portland-based letterpress artist wanted to combine her love of letterpress printing and road trips with a cross-country tour that involved a 1982 Chevy step van converted into a fully functional—and mobile—letterpress print shop. She set her Kickstarter goal at $8,000 and, just a few weeks later, saw pledges skyrocket to more than $17,000.
After a lot of preparation, Durrie hit the road and kicked off a yearlong journey that, she hopes, will turn people on to the simplistic beauty of handmade letterpress print. She'll be driving around North America in what she calls the Moveable Type truck, making stops to teach workshops, do demos and spread "the good word about printing the old-fashioned way." She's wants people to get inspired and perhaps figure out ways they can do something handmade and creative themselves.
"I thought that was totally aligned with what we do here," said Sophia Hall, owner of Make Good, a shop in South Park that specializes in local, handmade goods.
"I'm actually making dinner for her right now," Hall said during a phone interview. "She's on the road and she's supposed to be here in a few hours. She wants to set up in front of the store tomorrow."
And so it is. Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., Durrie's Power and Moveable Type truck will be parked curbside in front of Make Good (2207 Fern St.). Swing by and do some hands-on printing or just check out the equipment. Durrie will also be selling Print and Power Press prints, which Hall loves.
"I can't wait to buy a few of those prints myself," she said.
Email kinseem@sdcitybeat.com with your story, tips, news and questions. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
