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Publications

CODEX Papers

The CODEX Papers journal is dedicated to promoting a broad understanding of the dynamic work being done in the book arts field today. Through a wide range of essays and reviews we aim to support the artists, craftspeople, librarians, curators, collectors, and individuals seeking to engage in a constructive dialog surrounding the handmade book in contemporary art. Our goal is to provoke thought and understanding of the enormously complex and historically rich field of the book arts. The covers are designed and letterpress printed in-house with the assistance of our interns.

CODE(x)+1 Monograph Series

Published since 2008, these individual essays and manifestos are deliberations and provocations designed to provide a voice to creative artists, writers, printers, and scholars regarding the book as a work of art in the current international dialogue. Most of these pamphlets are illustrated, and except for the photographic imagery, are letterpress printed in-house along with the award-winning cover designs which are printed with the assistance of interns in our letterpress studio.

Assembly/Exchange Portfolios

For each portfolio we ask a variety of national and international book artists and fine press printers if they would contribute a broadside, print, or work on paper in an edition of 75 copies. With these contributions we create an elegant boxed edition of unique works that serve as examples of printing techniques and concepts being explored by contemporary makers in the field. You will find everything from etchings and wood engravings with poetry, to handmade paper and alternative photographic processes—and much more. The artist/printer may submit anything from a single folio to a small pamphlet, and each piece goes into a letterpress printed folio with a biography and statement by the maker. The portfolios are themed and each person or collaborative team approaches the subject differently. Each contributor gets a finished boxed edition of prints as thanks for their generous work, and these portfolios are used as fundraisers to help subsidize our publishing program. They are great teaching tools and also can be used for instant exhibitions! A purchase of a portfolio goes a long way to supporting publishing at The CODEX Foundation. 

Book Art Catalogs

As part of our mission to support the field we curate exhibitions and produce catalogs with both substantial illustrations and writing. Two of our catalogs are extensive documentation of our International Biennial Fair & Symposium events, while others document and explore the works of art in our curated exhibitions. All of our publications include writing by artists, scholars, librarians, and collectors in the field.

Real Lead Saloon

The Real Lead Saloon is an informal gathering of artists, writers & printers led by CODEX co-founders Peter Koch and Susan Filter with the assistance of our Master Letterpress Printer and Studio Technician, Jonathan Gerken. The group meets on Saturdays (since early 2021) to design, hand-set in lead type, print, illustrate, and bind the lyrical writings of friends and collaborators at the CODEX Foundation’s Logan Book Arts Center.