Three years in the making, Bill Kelly's book of woodcuts and writings was inspired by the musicality of language. Studying poet Robert Pinsky's translation of Dante's Inferno, he built his own "selva oscura" (dark forest) through a series of intricate prints and word ruminations. The poetry and prose that make up the text of Duck Blind helped him carve the wood so he could hear his meanings. "I get an image from the sound of the metaphors," he said. For Kelly, the writings and the images must be seen together. A many-layered volume, in Duck Blind Kelly explores the language of pure sound and makes it his own.
Writings and woodcuts by Bill Kelly. Type set in Kabel and printed letterpress by Nelle Martin on Sekishu and Twinrocker handmade papers. Woodcuts printed by the artist, Michele Burgess, and Nelle Martin. Bound by Sonja Jones in hand painted linen and housed in a chitzu. 9 1/2" x 22 1/2". Edition of 50. 2013.