In the Spotlight: Deep Breath Press

For almost three decades, Briar Press has connected people across the world. We’re spotlighting some of the printers in this community—newcomers and long-timers alike. Join in at spotlight.briarpress.org

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In 2010, inspired by her graphic design teacher, Desiree went to a local book arts workshop at Bay Park Press in San Diego. Taught by Sibyl Rubottom, Desiree fell in love with book arts and began classes, continuing on to take letterpress classes, she became enamored with the tactile and meditative process. Her first print, a Kahlil Gibran passage on friendship set in 8 pt. type, Desiree reflected, “So tiny! I don’t think I’ve printed such small type since!” After that, she spent several years taking classes and printing during the studio’s open time. While Bay Park Press closed permanently, her teacher Sibyl was instrumental in teaching Desiree the basics and providing guidance and support with her experimenting and projects. She printed lots of haiku and poems during her time there, some of which would eventually become a book that she printed at the studio. Once completed, the book was included in two exhibitions, ‘Words with Wings: Poetry and Prints’ (2018) and ‘Fiesta of Prints & Book Arts: Celebrating Printmaking’ (2018).

In 2020, she started the Printmakers Against Racism campaign and curated select prints from artists participating in the exhibition, ‘2020 So Far: Prints and Drawings’ In 2020, she purchased a Nolan proof press from Rick the Printer. The weeks it took to arrive via train have become a sort of metaphor in the years since; it has been a slow and steady process of gathering supplies, printing where and when she can while also raising kids. Since 2020, Desiree has enjoyed two BIWOC residencies, growing connections and community with fellow artists Jenn Graves and Melissa Blount. Her latest projects include social justice themed prints, poetry, and contemplative themed items. She printed and bound a book, ‘Contemplation Book, No. 1’ which was to be included in the Printed and Bound exhibition and the 2025 Hamilton Wayzgoose prior to its boycott and cancellation. For future plans, she looks forward to making another book in her Contemplation Book series, a future iteration of the Printed and Bound exhibition, as well as a book idea at the InCahoots Residency she’ll participate in during the fall of 2026.

In the Spotlight: Deep Breath Press

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Deep Breath Press

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