The Book of Small Regrets
Seattle: Grey Zone Press, 2022. Hardcover. Number 39 of 50 copies signed and numbered on the colophon by the book artist, Ellen Sollod. This is a witty and engaging book from this accomplished book artist that she states "has all of your woes in one place." Ellen writes on her website: "Neither a literary work nor a graphic novel, it is a sequential visual experience, creating an empathetic and heartfelt journey through these small difficulties we all encounter." The Book of Small Regrets was conceived in response to the forced isolation of COVID when even small missteps could seem catastrophic. As an antidote, Ellen decided to create this artist book to help vanquish these little black clouds that immediately overwhelm, then linger and fade, only to be replaced by another when one least expects it. Like getting over anything, admitting your regrets is the first step to recovery. Naturally, Ellen wanted others to be able to be rid of theirs too. So, she reached out through her social network to over 300 people, asking them to contribute their own small regrets (to be presented anonymously) as a way to “unburden themselves” as part of the generative process of making the work. Later she solicited impulse purchases made and comfort foods eaten during the pandemic. The responses served as prompts for Ellen’s watercolor paintings, photographs and text, embracing irony, humor and generosity. Neither a literary work nor a graphic novel, it is a sequential visual experience, creating an empathetic and heartfelt journey through these small difficulties we all encounter."
Ellen is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Pacific Northwest. Her practice includes large scale, site-specific public art, multimedia temporary installations, artist books, photography, photo-based works, and occasional sound and video projects. Her work is deeply embedded in research and experimentation. Diverse in form and subject matter, much of her studio-based work weaves the personal with the political, while her site-based works explore the psychological intersection of landscape and memory. Ellen complements her independent studio practice with interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists, landscape architects and other artists. Sollod is an artist/activist, grounded in a commitment to civic, environmental and social responsibility.
The book is digitally printed on Mohawk Superfine paper by Girlie Press. It includes hand drawn and water color images, photographs and text. Free endpage and and endpapers done with “small regrets” printed in multiple lines in white over blue paper. Hardcover bound in black linen with a metallic blue foil stamp on the front cover and spine. Binding by Phil’s Custom Bindery. Illustrations, photography, writing and design by Ellen Sollod. In fine condition. Measures 6.25 x 5.25 inches. 136 french-fold pages. ARTISTB/052726. Fine.
Item #38334
Price: $250.00