The Harebrained Press Project is one of the most unique publishing ventures undertaken in Australia to date: an extended work of fiction produced by the author herself using the traditional bookmaking crafts.
Since 2016, R. I. Sutton has worked towards realising her collection of short stories, Closer than Breathing, Seven Tales as a completely independent enterprise. Employing hand-executed techniques such as typesetting using movable type, letterpress printing, paper marbling and bookbinding, Sutton is publishing Closer than Breathing in the medium best suited to its spirit as a characterful work of art.
The project has been an epic enterprise made especially challenging by the difficulties presented in sourcing rare and often expensive equipment, in struggling to find teachers or information related to each craft, and in acquiring the costly tools and materials imperative to a well-made book. Nevertheless, Closer than Breathing approaches its completion in 2023 as Sutton works her way through the final stage of binding her books.
The Harebrained Press' upcoming inaugural launch of Sutton's work will be accompanied by a two-day exhibition called Anatomy of a Book. To see details of these events click here.
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To pre-order and reserve your copy of Closer than Breathing, click here or on the image below. Books will be released in March, 2023.