Promises
Promises is a set of prints and an art book loosely inspired by woodblock print charms, divination practices, and how we try to make sense of our wishes, futures, and place in the world. Made during the Summer 2025 Artist in Residence program at the RisoLAB.
Each print represents a certain theme, though the specific symbolism or meanings is open to viewer interpretation. They were designed to feel as if they might be part of a larger set, with consistent layouts and palettes. Printed with 5 colors: Mint, Bright Olive Green, Bright Red, Medium Blue, and Hunter Green.
Each print represents a certain theme, though the specific symbolism or meanings is open to viewer interpretation. They were designed to feel as if they might be part of a larger set, with consistent layouts and palettes. Printed with 5 colors: Mint, Bright Olive Green, Bright Red, Medium Blue, and Hunter Green.
01: gathering
(multitude, emergence, planting, drowning, conversation)
the promise of:
the sound of waves on the shorethe looming storm clouds
a drop of sweat
untold voices murmuring
the mote of dirt in the field
02: WInding
(preparation, tangling, confusion, escape, perserverance)
the promise of:
the hour before falling asleepa pricking thorn
the holes torn in the net
shapes absolved by fog
the humming coils of the machine
03: Echoing
(memory, recording, oblivion, acceptance, revenge)
the promise of:
the reflection in the glassthe gentle dark
a restless haunting
the shadow trailing
the shape of the story
04: wearing
(persisting, weathering, decay, repetition, the time it takes)
the promise of:
the stone smoothed by timethe sound of steady rain
floors swept anew
a familiar word spoken
the life beyond your own
05: Turning
(cleansing, burning, renewal, metamorphosis, destruction)
the promise of:
the crack along the wallthe lightning strike
a cut, red and clotting
the edge of the chasm
the first sprouts after the fire
06: Anchoring
(stability, guilt, shelter, stagnation, departures and returns)
the promise of:
the sun setting as it always hasthe half-open door
the path underfoot
an uncertain gift to bear
the old forgotten structure
The book is an alternate way to experience the same concept. It consists of 24 sheets or cards with illustrated panels taken from the prints, grouped into the 6 themes. Each panel is accompanied by a fragment of text, to interpret or ignore—the text is printed in reverse on the back of the page to create a semi-obscured effect. The pages are punched and bound with a loop of ball chain, and are intended to be rearranged, removed, or displayed as you like.
24 sheets, 4.25×5.5in
Risograph printed: mist and brown ink (additionally bright olive green, bright red, and medium blue on endpaper)
Neenah Environment wrought iron covers with front cutout and French Parchtone natural text-weight interiors
Single hole punch with ball chain loop
24 sheets, 4.25×5.5in
Risograph printed: mist and brown ink (additionally bright olive green, bright red, and medium blue on endpaper)
Neenah Environment wrought iron covers with front cutout and French Parchtone natural text-weight interiors
Single hole punch with ball chain loop
