I created “Polysynthesis No. 1” in December 2021 during my Exhibiting Artist Residency at IS Projects. The abstract composition is completely improvised. I found inspiration in the vibrant and abundant colors, textures, patterns, and personalities at IS Projects and in Fort Lauderdale. While the cropped Cooper Black numbers are characteristic of my experimental letterpress work, the use of rounder shapes, fluorescent inks, and a split-fountain gradient are exciting new additions to my visual vocabulary. I printed the edition by hand using the studio’s Vandercook SP-20 and wood type fonts from the Selikoff Collection.

Relief and letterpress from handset wood and metal type

David Wolske