By Stephanie Copoulos-Selle
Waukesha, Wisconsin: Citron Press, 2023. Edition of 27.
6.5 x 9.5"; pages vary in size with one fold-out page. Printed with letterpress and relief prints on vintage lithographs and screen prints. Other papers: Arches, Frankfurt, Mi-Teintes, Mengei, Rives and various unknown papers (deacidified). Satin fabric. Sewn binding with paper covered illustrated boards. Signed and numbered by the artist.
Stephanie Copoulos-Selle: "My artist's book 'To Fly or Fall' is about loss. Many people are grieving the death of a loved one. Recently we have experienced many lost lives. Due in part to natural causes but also deaths due to pandemics, natural disasters, and mass shootings."
The artist lost her husband in 2020. Stated simply after title page “Thomas F. Selle / 1949 – 2020”. She met her husband in art school at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. The book contains portions of print and proofs from the early years of their marriage. The book is a lovely tribute to a life partner as well as giving voice to the partner left behind (coping with that loss).
The void calls to me whispering my name
The hole expands
It’s deep & wide
With nothing to grasp
The dark entices me to stay
It surrounds me
Sitting in tears of sorrow
With stories from before
And dreams that will never be
The darkness becomes my friend
It is a place of comfort
$700