Book By Its Cover

6.18.09

Michael Wertz

According to the Chinese Zodiac, I am a Monkey. I find this part of the Monkey description pretty funny: “Although they are inherently intellectual and creative, Monkeys at times have trouble exhibiting these qualities. When that happens, they appear to others to be confused.” Haha. That seems fitting. Although I always thought I really was just confused. See what your Zodiac sign is and what is means here. Michael Wertz, printer and illustrator, partnered with his friend Carolee Wheeler to create this beautiful handmade book based on the Chinese Zodiac. There’s twelve pages of silkscreened animals and letterpressed type printed on nice bright orange paper. I’m loving the bold palette. You can get one right here.
zodiac zodiac3
zodiac2 zodiac5

11 Comments

06/19/09 10:46am

isabel wrote

I can attest to the yummy goodness of this book (I have #59/100). Since it’s impossible to not look at it, we’ve taken to (gently) propping it open on different pages every few days so we can admire all the different animals. Beee-ootiful!

06/19/09 10:51am

A J wrote

A beautiful book. Quirky and fun.

06/19/09 10:56am

Jim Winters wrote

I have seen these pieces in several incarnations, i.e. newspaper illustrations, T-shirt designs – but this version with the beautiful combination of silk screen and letterpress is especially stunning. A gorgeous merging of styles.. Also love the binding. Great work!!

06/19/09 12:28pm

Christian wrote

Those are absolutely gorgeous. Paper yum.

06/19/09 12:42pm

Maureen in Oakland wrote

So so lovely. What better way to know your inner chinese astrology animal?

06/19/09 12:47pm

julie wrote

silkscreen + letterpress + michael s. wertz = delicious.

06/19/09 10:13pm

ambimb wrote

I’m a rat. “Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills theyâ€™re able to deduce much about other people and other situations.” I deduce that you guys are stupendously talented. And a little goofy. And like bright colors. And make very neat things!

06/21/09 5:59pm

susie q wrote

what an amazing combination of analog technologies! most lovely!

06/29/09 3:44pm

hae wrote

Gorgeous and unique! I can’t say that I’ve ever seen anything else that was silkscreen + letterpress (with old wood type, no less). It’s a stunning combination.

07/8/09 8:20pm

Sam wrote

So smart and stylish! This artist has a very strong style!

08/10/09 10:44am

Kate G. wrote

His work has so much joy in it. I never thought I would want to shake hands with a snake, but Mr. Wertz makes me want to extend my hand for a good howdy do.

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