About this project

The Backstory

Pigeon started with a bet.

In 2001, a good friend of mine -- a poet -- claimed he could write better poems based on my drawings than I could create illustrations based on his poems. In the weeks that followed we set about beating one another in earnest.

We never established a winner however the duel produced a collection of roughly 50 drawings. These made their way into an exhibit entitled “Linen Finish” -- a title taken from the description on the spine of a deck of playing cards. The show marked the end of our collaboration, but the drawings kept coming.

Over the next couple of years, a number of characters emerged, accompanied by writings and other images. It became a kind of self portrait. I titled it ‘Pigeon’ after my affinity for the underdogs of the urban skies, whom I have, over the years, come to love and, I think, in some way, with whom I identify.

Somewhere around 2009, I completed the body of work, but I had yet to resolve the question of how best to present it. That’s when the deck of cards came to mind, and another good friend stepped in to push it forward.

The Project

In its finished state, Pigeon will take the form of a 3-volume set of illustrated cards. This first edition of 100 copies will be self-published, and distributed at locations in Charlottesville and other venues nationwide (The New Museum, Printed Matter, etc..)

The goal of the project is simple: present Pigeon at the highest quality to the widest audience. Once the first edition is distributed, we hope that it will attract the attention of publishers who will pick it up and further its success.

 The first step is to get it out there.

 Where the money goes

Off-set printing is expensive - and worth it. While other process may cost less, they cannot match the print and image quality produced by these presses. Another benefit is that it's most effective to run off-set at high volume. The printers will be able to produce enough cards for both the first and second editions in a single run.

In addition to the cards, the cases themselves are being embossed and printed using letter press techniques – a very time intensive and hands-on process. While the labor  and facilities have been donated, any funds exceeding our goal will go to compensate the artists and printers for their generous efforts.

In short - the cost of the materials and processes required to complete the decks, cases and presentation will run us roughly $4500.00

Friends and vendors in the local community are lending their services at a discounted rate – however – the expenses remain prohibitive.

 This is where you can help.

With your support, we’ll be able to present the work at a level which may attract greater funding, interest and wider reaching success. The first edition has to rock. Your support through Kickstarter will assure that it does.

The Rewards

Just a note on the rewards you will receive for your support. I'm a big believer in pushing things of meaning in to the world and not so hot on filling it up with 'stuff'. If certain rewards appeal to you and others not, Just let me know.

Thanks for reading and for supporting this project.

 Greg

 

 

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