Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Finally, the big news!



I'm happy to announce that
From Orchards, Fields, and Gardens: Art and rememberings celebrating sustainable agriculture and good food will be
back from the printer mid-August! Until then, you can pre-order the book and get $4 off of the regular price.

The book features writing from 11 authors, and photos and illustrations from 21 artists. The authors remember activities, people, and places that shape(d) their appreciation for small scale food production and processing.

Find out more about the book.

I've been working on this thing for ten months. I often feel that I lack faith that things will work out ok, and this lack of faith makes me not take risks. I worry. And I envy people who believe there's a greater, loving force out there. They must feel more secure. Making this book has tested my (non-religious) faith. But I think it has also generated faith, because each step in the process yielded positive responses. Two friends encouraged me from the start. People I asked to contribute to the book agreed to do so—amazing! When I suggested edits, people didn't seem to think I was a meanie! When I asked (via snail mail because he doesn't do computers) Wendell Berry if one of the contributors could include stanzas from one of Berry's poems, he promptly wrote back, and he agreed! When I asked a long ago ex for help with a final edit, she agreed! When I asked for printer recommendations (after not feeling confident about the one I'd planned on using), a friend sent me to a helpful, flexible, fair, green, family-run press. This project has forced me to ask for help and to let go/not put so much pressure on myself when I can't meet deadlines. I still feel quite nervous about the final product (wondering if I made good design choices, etc.), but I'm also very excited and grateful. Thank you book contributors and friends!



7 comments:

Molly said...

It looks very beautiful, and I can't wait to have a copy in my hands. I feel incredibly blessed to have been invited to be a part of this project--you should be very, very proud! xo

kusink said...

Kerstin! I get all teary-eyed reading about this! Åh, vad fint! Jag vill pre-order minst ett exemplar bums!

Och vad härligt att du känner att du har utvecklats. Heja Kerstin! Go Shash!

kraaaam

mati rose said...

I'm so happy for you! That you went for it and the "universe" responded.
Congrats & love,
Mati

Katrina said...

hooray, shash! so glad it's off to print and that you are feeling supported along the way. i'm delighted to be included and i'm guessing most of the other artists feel this way too. such a lovely thing you've created. go, you.

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

I just ordered today. You've selected a talented group. It looks like it is going to be great.

Hayley said...

I am thrilled for you- and such an amazing group on contributors! I just ordered my copy- and cannot wait to read it!

Cheers!

Kerstin Svendsen said...

thanks gals! can't wait to see it myself. should be here tuesday or wednesday i think.