Islands Fold is an independant publisher and artist residency that I just learned about when I got an email from Luke Ramsey, one of it’s creators. The residency, located in Pender Island B.C., cost nothing for the artists. It’s all made possible by the money they get from selling the their books and zines. “It’s about inviting artists into our home, supporting creativity, collaborating, promoting health and well being and producing unique art.” I think that’s pretty awesome. And the work that comes out of there is pretty awesome too. I immediately bought two books from their online store- the second I will post about another time. This one is a collaboration between Justin B.Williams and Luke Ramsey. It’s a really nicely printed, full color, little booklet of drawings/paintings. The drawings are a bit insane. In one, lots of tiny doodles- cartoon faces and brain-like patterns burst out from a twisted up human form painted in a watercolor wash and tiny hatch marks. In another a character is pushing along a cart filled with little creatures. One creature is also biting the whole top of the guy’s head. It reminds me a little of the craziness that was in the book Nod a Dod. What is in that Canadian water? I’d like have a sip. Check out Islands Fold’s site here and make sure to buy a book or something (they’ve got prints and t-shirts too-I love this print) and support a great cause.

© Julia Rothman 2007