Rachel Simmons, Gallery Talk, Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at Rollins Museum of Art /  by Rachel Simmons

Artist and Rollins faculty member Rachel Simmons is speaking about her recent artist’s books, zines and prints at the Rollins Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 2nd from 6-6:30 pm (followed by colleague Dana Hargrove from 6:30-7:00). Simmons will share stories about her travels to Antarctica and Iceland, show process videos of her studio practice, and read aloud from several of her artist’s books. Admission is free—please join us!

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Book Arts Guild of Central Florida Swap & Share, Members Meeting /  by Rachel Simmons

Book Arts Guild members, you’re invited to join us for our annual swap & share meeting on Thursday, January 12th from 6-8 pm in the second floor community room at the Winter Park Library,  1052 W. Morse Blvd in Winter Park, FL. Swap your unwanted art and craft supplies for supplies you need AND share your recent/current book arts projects during our show and tell. All kinds of supplies can be useful—including paper, adhesives, tape, board, fabrics, drawing/painting/printmaking materials etc.

Part of our meeting will be dedicated to sharing news & updates for 2023, and asking members for input on the future of our organization. 

January 12, 2023 6-8 pm at Winter Park Library

An Other Story, a collaborative artists book project with Rollins students and Ben Blount /  by Rachel Simmons

“An Other Story”

By Blount & Rollins College Students 

2021

Leporello accordion book with letterpress & digital prints on French Speckletone paper and binders board. Closed dimensions 8 5/8” tall x 6” wide.

By Ben Blount &

Gaby Clark

Anastasia Dresden

Emma Jones

Emma Lostutter

Madisen Mendoza

Maddie Moreland

Claudia Prado

Melissa Rodriguez

Liv Sala

Sam Shelly

Rachel Simmons

Nana Takano

Haley Van Doren


This project originated from Blount’s powerful artists book “First Impressions” in which he asked participants to recount the first time they felt othered. Blount put the same question to students in Rachel Simmons’ book arts class in spring 2021. The students responded through personal writing & bold imagery, then designed and printed folios on their provisional presses using metal type and other relief printmaking materials.  Their folios addressed a range of personal experiences with feeling demeaned and marginalized—culturally, physically, socially. They responded to the prompt with honesty and courage. For almost every student in class, this was their first time working with letterpress, and they were inspired to take on that challenge by Blount’s bold use of typography in his work. Blount designed & printed the striking covers and Simmons did the colophon and assisted with assembling the edition of 20. The book is now part of the Rollins Book Arts Collection. 


This project was made possible by a grant from the Rollins College Thomas P. Johnson Visiting Artist & Scholar Program. 

ZINE CLub! /  by Rachel Simmons

I’ve got exciting news! Starting today you can join my Heartbreaker Zine Maker Club & receive four quarterly deliveries of zines, comics and/or original prints. I’ll throw in extra goodies like stickers, too. A year-long subscription is only $35 and you get FREE SHIPPING in the continental US! (Just skip the section where you choose shipping and continue to checkout). Quantities are limited, so snag your today. If you’re a zine maker and you want to trade, let me know❤️📖❤️📖❤️or if we’re already trading, you’re on the list! 

Link in profile or visit www.RachelSimmons.net/shop

Orlando zine fest 2021 /  by Rachel Simmons

Orlando Zine Fest is back! Whoo hoo! It’s one of my favorite community events because I discover tons of awesome zines while making new friends (& hanging out with old ones too). I’ll be there with a HUGE inventory of new zines to swap & sell—from hedgehog comics to iceberg accordion books—and everything in between. My students from @rollinscollege & members from @bookartsguildcfl will also have work at our tables. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

@orlandozinefest ‘21 will take place at @thenookonrobinson on December 18th from 6-10 pm. Hope to see you there!

Analog Blog Post /  by Rachel Simmons

This blog post was written on my electric typewriter and folded into a structure called a rotating cube. It’s a kind of flexagon, and it changes constantly as you move it, but also always comes back to the start. I chose the structure to reflect the circular feeling of the writing—my inner monologue sounds like a broken record since March 2020. Six months of the same things, routines, worries, etc.

Watch the video on instagram @bearwithjetpack

Watch the video on instagram @bearwithjetpack

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Birds of the World (Unabridged) NEW ALTERED BOOK /  by Rachel Simmons

I’m almost finished with this massive altered book I’ve been working on for nearly a year. Whew! My exacto knife work has made one arm look like Popeye’s! :0 Here is a video from about a week ago along with a description:

Birds of the World (Unabridged), 2020, one-of-a-kind mixed media altered book 22” x 14” x 1” Open, 11” x 14” x 2” Closed.  

This unique altered book sheds light on the familiar presence of birds in communities across the globe and concerns about the ongoing decline in bird populations. The original book was a lavishly illustrated encyclopedic guide published by Golden Press in 1961. In altering this book, I was able to examine this historical scientific perspective on birds as well as my own experiences with these amazing creatures. Whether slicing carefully at the edges of tiny bird claws and scalloped feathers to remove images, or delicately painting around phrases and words, I was meticulous in my approach on each and every spread— always considering how to maintain a balance between form and the overall concept. Though many illustrations were cut out and then placed elsewhere in the book, most pages were left intact so viewers can see the outline of what has been removed. Using erasure techniques, I also carved up the original text—describing the appearances, adaptations, behaviors and survival challenges of birds—to create poetic impressions from scientific observations. Through my own added writing, I share stories about my daily interactions with birds like herons and egrets in my home state of Florida, and rare experiences with birds in the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Antarctica and Iceland. Many species of birds are now threatened with extinction due to deforestation and the impacts of climate change— and so this piece is both a mediation on loss and an expression of hope. Taking a cue from the recently released report from The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, I hope to create awareness through an interactive visual and tactile exploration, and encourage viewers to engage in our common fascination with birds, appreciate the value they hold in our ecosystems and cultures, and consider how we might advocate for birds and nature as a whole through our political systems. 

My Visit to Central Print in Old North St. Louis, August 1-3, 2019 /  by Rachel Simmons

Central Print takes its name from its location at the center of the revitalized historic neighborhood in St. Louis known as Old North. This community letterpress studio functions as a creative space for residents as well as a printing museum. As a resident of Orlando, FL where most structures seem to have been built during or after the Disney-fueled boom of the 1970’s, I was struck by the beautiful historic quality of the architecture of the Old North neighborhood which saw its boom during an expansive growth period in the 1870’s. The homes are primarily red brick, narrow, multi-story structures constructed side-by-side to allow for large families to live within walking distance of local stores and schools. Many of these buildings—-schools, churches, stores and homes— have fallen into disrepair; some literally collapsing in on themselves, overgrown with vines, mature trees sprouting up through the remains of the roof from the ground floor. Structures that were condemned and torn down left behind open grassy lots where some residents have established elaborate gardens and raise livestock. The overall effect is disconcerting at first, an unfamiliar blend of rural and urban landscapes which seem almost post apocalyptic. In the last few years, however, new residents have moved to the Old North neighborhood, renovated these historic homes and businesses, and brought with them a renewed sense of shared purpose around the importance of building community. In my few days there, I could tell from the residents I met that rebuilding Old North is going to be a decades-long, multi-generational collaboration amongst neighbors who are willing to reach out for help when they need it and are not afraid to carve out a new kind of urban life.

And that’s how Central Print fulfills its mission, by being an essential part of the fabric of the neighborhood. When I heard director Marie Oberkirsch speak at Hamilton Wayzgoose last year about Central Print’s mission to “to preserve the craft of letterpress printmaking, expand, and modernize its use while building awareness of St. Louis’ historical role in the development and growth of printing,” I knew right away that Central Print was doing something special and that I wanted to bring FLOCK there so I could be a part of it.

We started my visit on August 1st by installing the existing FLOCK prints on a long wall made of strips of reclaimed wood. The warmth of the wood wall added a new and exciting dimension to the work. Then I gave a slide talk about my practice, my travels and my current body of work The Language of Watching. Several of my artist’s books and collected field guides were on hand. Early the following morning in unusually cool weather, a resident of the neighborhood (hereafter known as the Master Gardener) and her two young daughters met us to go birdwatching. We were on the lookout for the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, a bird introduced by homesick European immigrants which can only be found in St. Louis, but instead we saw goldfinches, great egrets, house sparrows, great blue herons, cardinals, mourning doves and house finches. The community garden was particularly active as was a huge rookery of great herons and egrets in an adjacent neighborhood. We walked to the Master Gardener’s house and explored her incredible garden which occupied several previously empty lots where a row of red brick houses had been built over one hundred years earlier. The family had also constructed a garden shed from red, gray and white glazed bricks salvaged from a demolished neighborhood church. On the way there, we’d passed a wood working studio where local kids were building a boat which they would launch the next day. On the same block was a boarded up local print shop, likely established in the 1870’s, but abandoned after they family went out of business. We talked longingly about the treasures inside, presses and type of all kinds no doubt. Though the streets in Old North were potholed, stop signs went missing and sidewalks became overgrown, the residents’ connections to one another were the real treasures of the neighborhood.

The workshop was scheduled for four hours that afternoon into the evening, and participants came through in waves. Some were local school kids, others were graphic designers and college students along with older adults and families. It was exactly the sort of mix you’d hope to see in a collaborative community project because different perspectives make for richer collaborations. I set out pre-made bird silhouette relief plates and mixed a range of ink colors including a gold and black inspired by my sighting of the goldfinch that morning. Participants were encouraged to take a look at FLOCK before printing and then choose a bird plate to roll up. During the workshop, I ran the press, talked to participants about what they were making, and pulled a print or two myself. I answered questions about the project, but mainly we engaged in making prints and talking about birds. My birdwatching companions from the morning came to the workshop, giving us the change to chat again about the goldfinch and the enormous rookeries of egrets and herons down the road which had made the local news. All of the new prints were gradually added to the existing FLOCK. We had opportunities to talk about how previous participants had created their bird prints, and how the St. Louis part of FLOCK would be unique amongst them.

By the time the workshop had ended, I received two gifts: a sweet little zine about woodpeckers by artist Dan Zettwoch and some gorgeous wooden bird earrings from the Master Gardener. And these were just the objects I was given—I also took with me memories of Timothy’s enthusiasm for combining outrageous colors and patterns; Kirsten O’Loughlin’s steady hand as she helped him print & cut out his silhouettes; and Marie Oberkirch’s positive vibes and encouragement.

Though I have been practicing socially engaged art since I started teaching at Rollins in 2000, I’m evolving as an artist as I learn new ways to connect with communities outside of my own. In the last 5 years, I have been intentionally seeking out opportunities across the US that are mutually beneficial—finding spaces where my practice can grow through an exchange of meaningful, interactive art making experiences with communities. As I see it, the function of art goes beyond self-expression, it it about making connections with others and fostering awareness. The ongoing creation of FLOCK isn’t so much about the prints themselves or even about the birds, it’s about generating discussion amongst participants as we all reflect on our relationship with nature. Birds and printmaking are simply the conduits for this discussion. Being together in a space where one’s hands are occupied by rolling ink makes discussion flow in a way that is both casual and profound. It’s the very idea of making things together, print by print, or rebuilding a neighborhood brick by brick, that forms community and a sense of purpose beyond oneself. The process of making has always captivated my attention and motivated my work. The discoveries, the open-ended questions, the mistakes and the successes when something goes right—all of this is exciting to share with others. As we work, we chat:

“How did your print turn out?”

“Oh, that looks really cool, how did you do that?”

“What is your favorite bird?”

“Last week there was a hawk in our backyard!”

“I remember a bird I saw in India once…”

Of course, as the artist and also the facilitator of these collaborative experiences, I’ve learned through trial and error that I need to establish a certain amount of structure while remaining flexible and spontaneous to allow these moments to unfold organically. Teaching has taught me this skill over and over again, but translating it to my professional studio practice has taken some adjustments—after all, I am not teaching, I am creating a situation where I collaborate with strangers on my work. They are related, but different. This round of FLOCK was unique in that I felt so connected to the community in such a short period of time. I think that’s just the magic of Old North.

Birds of the World, a new work in progress /  by Rachel Simmons

For the last few months, I’ve been carefully cutting out bird illustrations from “Birds of the World", a lavishli illustrated book originally published in 1961 by Golden Press (not Nat Geo as I say in the video). From tiny bird claws to long thin legs and scalloped feathers, I have been meticulous in my approach. I am removing the birds, but leaving the pages that held them intact so one can see the outline of what has been removed. The cutting stage mostly done, I’m now navigating the text of the book which lovingly describes the appearances and behaviors of birds from all across the globe. Since this book was published, many species of birds are threatened with extinction due to deforestation and the impacts of human-induced climate change. I believe this book project is going to be both a mediation of loss and an expression of hope, taking a cue from the recently released report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

Here’s a quick video of the work in progress!

FLOCK: Reflections after The University of Tampa /  by Rachel Simmons

Last month, I had the chance to hang out with students and faculty at the University of Tampa for a two-day collaborative printmaking workshop. The workshop was the third iteration  and expansion of FLOCK, an art project from The Language of Watching in which participants & I talk about birds, sometimes go birdwatching, and always make bird prints. Every time I have an opportunity to expand FLOCK, it always goes a bit differently, depending on the group I’m working with as well as the space & time we have, but there are always lively interactions & bursts of creativity. 

An assortment of field guides I have collected since 2015. 

An assortment of field guides I have collected since 2015. 

I begin by sharing what I am doing in my practice to examine our human relationship with nature. I pass around my collection of field guides while we chat about them. I always learn a lot about how others are navigating the complexities of of developed environment, and I hear about what they may notice and not notice about nature. I am always surprised that simply by talking about these things, I leave feeling more aware than ever about my own surroundings. 

Bird song became a topic of discussion at UT thanks to a gift from my mom. This summer, she gave me used copy of The Bible of Bird Song and I was able to play songs from a variety of birds for FLOCK participants. One or two of the students even used the book to identity birds they had heard and seen but could not name. Of course, there are plenty of apps that can play bird songs, but The Bible of Bird Song is special— it is a book with a digital sound player which allows one to turn the pages of a book, rather than click through a series of menus. As a book artist, I loved sharing this book and seeing how the UT students seemed to enjoy it, too. There just might be something fundamentally more satisfying in turning the pages of a book versus navigating a screen. 

University of Tampa students adding prints to FLOCK, October 16, 2017

University of Tampa students adding prints to FLOCK, October 16, 2017

The UT workshop was also different because it was a large group (around 75 participants spread out over two days) and many were interested in art, design and some specifically in printmaking. The project has what I think of as built-in opportunities for creative experimentation, as it asks participants to think about their experiences with birds, chose silhouettes, colors and patterns that suit their own aesthetic preferences within the limitations of the project. In other words, they have choices (which birds, which textures, which colors, which layer goes first, second, third), but they do not have an infinite number of choices. I find the space that lies between absolute freedom and guided limitation provides inspiration & spurs innovation. It presents one with a visual problem with thousands of solutions, and no one solution is privileged over another. One formula might be kingfisher + stripes + split run/rainbow roll on black paper, while another might be stripes + kingfisher + green on brown paper. Visually, thew results will always be compelling, and experimentally, this combining and recombining is the way to jump from one idea to another in a very short amount of time. The prints are passed around from person to person, and between groups, so no one owns any of the decisions, and everyone can contribute anything to any of the prints. 

Professor Ry McCullough organizes the flow of traffic on the press at The University of Tampa during FLOCK.

Professor Ry McCullough organizes the flow of traffic on the press at The University of Tampa during FLOCK.

FLOCK is an evolving project, one which continues to generate meaningful human-to-human interactions and opportunities for creative problem-solving. I simply set some things in motion two years ago and since then project has taken on its own identity. Since 2015, FLOCK has become a collective work in which participants are encouraged to think about birds, birdsong and bird behaviors as something more than a side note, but as an essential element of their daily experiences of being part of the natural world. At the same time, the project exists as an opportunity for conversation, sharing stories, and for engaging in a collective kind of creativity that opens up new ways of thinking and making for myself & the participants.  

Many, many, thanks to Ry McCullough and the students at The University of Tampa for creating such a great opportunity to do this project! I had an awesome time! 

The ever-expanding FLOCK at the Orlando Science Center, image taken November 17, 2017.

The ever-expanding FLOCK at the Orlando Science Center, image taken November 17, 2017.