Still looking for a card for your Valentine?

Just a quick reminder to both my Winona area and Twin Cities army of supporters, you have a few more days left to get your loved ones a unique, handmade Valentines appropriate card.

Winonans: You can purchase what you like from the Tally Mark Store and choose the pickup in person option.

Twin Citians: The fine folks at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts have a bunch of my cards in stock in the gift shop - they have a lot of other really cool stuff there too!

I can also mail you your orders but at this point I cannot guarantee that they would arrive in time for Valentines Day.

Please reach out with any questions.

“All we need is love” - the Beatles

Tally Mark News - October

New Cards and Art Prints Available

Just in time for autumn in Winona, Minnesota, I printed some new greeting cards and art prints. The pattern is created from leaf-shaped paper cuts. Three color variations of the square greeting cards and two color variations of the art prints are available now on the Tally Mark Store.

Coming Up In November

November is shaping up to be my busiest of 2023. No complaints. I’m getting ready for a couple of fun events in Winona. See details below.

Handmade Neighborhood Local Artisan Sale

I’ll be setting up a table downtown at the Winona County Historical Society for Handmade Neighborhood. It will be a day-long art local artisan sale and I will be there with cards, art prints, posters, test print monoprints, and totebags. Put it on your calendar:

Handmade Neighborhood
Winona County Historical Society
Saturday, November 18, 2023
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Blue Heron Coffeehouse 1-Person Show

I am very excited to announce that I will be showing a series of prints at the great Winona institution, Blue Heron Coffeehouse. The show opens Friday, November 10th, 2023 and runs through January 8th 2024.

Tally Mark Press Now On Threadless

I finally got around to creating a Tally Mark Press Threadless shop. Right now, the only design I have up there is L.O.V.E. There are a lot of new product options to choose from. I went a little crazy and included product options like yoga mats, skateboard decks, and beach towels. Of course, I created a number of options for t-shirts and sweatshirts. You can check it out here: Tally Mark Press Threadless Shop

Tally Mark News - September

The End of Summer Begins

Whoopsie doodles. Summer is almost gone. Dag blam it. Where did the time go?

Unfortunately, I don’t have much to report other than that I’ve been very busy. I’m getting ready for a couple of upcoming shows in the fall and I have been prepping a bunch of new cards and art prints. I’ll post more about all of that next month.

In the meantime, here are a few internet diversions:

The Island Book of Records (1959-1968): A new book for hopeless vinyl dorks like myself. I love this era of vinyl artwork and Island released an impressive amount of them.

Ben Franklin’s ant-counterfeit innovations.

Theatre Spektakel posters by Studio Marcus Kraft: Talk to me long enough about posters and I’ll bring up the European tradition of posters (and their public poster kiosks). I love the use of typographic sculpture used on this theatre campaign.

Tally Mark Press News - August

Tally Mark News

Swearing Might Be Good For You

Colorful Language Art Print Now Available

There’s been discussion out there recently about how cursing could be considered relatively healthy. Well, hot @#$%&! (Article). So, does this mean that binge watching Deadwood episodes keeps a person in fine fettle?

With all of this in mind, I printed a very small edition of an homage to the Grawlix. For those unfamiliar with the typographic term Grawlix, here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it: “Grawlix, also known as an obscenicon, is a combination of various typographical symbols or other unpronounceable characters that replaces a profanity.” Rumor has it that Mort Walker, the creator of the comic strip Beetle Bailey, coined this typographic term. If I remember correctly, he used a lot of the Grawlix in his comics.

This 4-color screen print is titled Colorful Language and the size is 14.25 inches by 5.5 inches.

You can purchase a Colorful Language screen print HERE.

Flora & Fauna Blue Heron Art Prints

New Art Prints Available

I printed editions of this blue heron illustration which was commissioned late last year by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for their 2023 Season, Flora & Fauna. I’ve been meaning to print these for a while and finally found some time to do it. I’m pretty stoked with how they turned out.

I printed limited editons on black and white French Paper Co. card stock paper. You can purchase a screen print for yourself, HERE.

What I’ve Been Listening To In The Studio

EMOTIONS RUN DRY
Jake Ferguson Featuring Malcolm Catto
(Madlib Invazion Music Library Series, 2023)

Funk, afro beat, and pysch rock have been on the Tally Mark Press studio sound system as of late. Something about this heat and humidity calls for some funky beats.

I’ve been a fan of Malcolm Catto’s funky drumming for a while now, so I was excited to learn about this release from Madlib’s label Madlib Invazion.

This release pairs Catto with Jake Ferguson, the bassist and fellow mastermind behind their psych rock band The Heliocentrics. Together on this release they interpret “library music”. This is the second album for the Madlib Invazion Music Library Series. Here’s what Rappcats says about it:

Entry #2: From The Nesta Vaults, Jake Ferguson & Malcolm Catto (Heliocentrics) take on Cosmic Funk and Psychedelic Jazz

Second in a series of music library releases, with future volumes produced by DJ Muggs, J-Zone, and Karriem Riggins, among others. These will be released on the first Friday of each month.

Madlib Invazion Music Library Series was created by Madlib and Egon to give their creative friends a chance to stretch out and indulge in whatever type of music they wanted. This music was created for easy, one-stop clearance in film and television synchronization usage and for sampling. Multi-track files are available upon request for key projects. You can also enjoy these albums in the way that many do with the best of the best vintage library catalogs – listen, ponder, repeat.

If you like your funk with a healthy side of psychedelia, I would strongly recommend that you check this release out. I dig it.

If you like this release, you might dig the first release of this Library Series, JJ Whitefield - Ethio Meditations / Drama Al Dente (Madlib Invazion Music Library Series #1)

Tally Mark Press News - July

Tally Mark News

Tote Bags Now Available

More L.O.V.E. and WI NO NA Tote Bags Now Available in the Tally Mark Store

I finally got around to printing some L.O.V.E. tote bags, along with two variations of a WI NO NA speech bubble bag. You can purchase both tote bag designs HERE.

Busy, Busy, and Busy

I hope everyone is having a great summer. Around here we REALLY need a bunch of rain. It feels strange to be saying it since we had such a long and wet winter. If you are willing and able, dance a little rain jig.

I am busy working on new cards and art prints. I’m also busy researching, sketching, and planning for TWO Fall/Winter shows here in Winona. I’ll be mounting a show in November at one of my favorite coffee shops/restaurants here in Winona, The Blue Heron. And, in December I will be mounting a show at The Acoustic Cafe. I’m looking forward to both but I have a lot of work ahead of me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course, I’ll post more info closer to both shows with the finer details.

Darling The Dawn
by ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT

(Constellation Records, 2023)

With apologies to my neighbors, I’ve been blasting this album on my studio sound system lately. It’s a lovely, shape-shifting collection of songs with equal parts soul and the ethereal.

The Bandcamp page for ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT describe their music suitably: Voice, Electricity, Old Scales. Additionally from the artists’ description:

“ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT is the recently minted duo of Ariel Engle (La Force, Patrick Watson, Broken Social Scene) and Efrim Manuel Menuck (Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Thee Silver Mt. Zion).”

“…Above all it’s the singing and lyrics, in method and melodic delivery, that conjure certain freak-folk furrows. Engle calls this “music inspired by ancestor music, sea shanties for seas we’ve never sailed” and the duo have indeed forged a collection on “Darling The Dawn” where vocals often feel strangely rooted in traditionals, while the instrumentation resonates out-of-time, in a liminal space at once glisteningly synthetic and oxidized in analog patina.”

ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT Bandcamp

Tally Mark Sighting

It’s a sad and beautiful…tally mark

Down By Law, by the fantastic director Jim Jarmusch, is one of my absolute all-time favorite films. If you know me well enough, I’ve probably crusaded for this funny black and white comedy about three vagabonds ending up together in a tiny prison cell. It stars none other than Tom Waits (!), Roberto Benigni (!!), and John Lurie (!!!). There are great performances from Rockets Redglare and Benigni’s wife Nicoletta Braschi, as well. Lurie and a small band did the soundtrack(!!!!) with additional songs by Tom Waits, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and Roy Orbison. The cinematography by Robby Müller has a slow-moving, deliberate pace that I love.

One of my favorite scenes in Down By Law is the “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream” prison scene. Of course, I noticed some funky tally marks on the wall behind them, during a recent viewing. I don’t think that I have ever seen someone use more than 5 slashes in their tally marks before. It’s just a tiny detail that I happened to noticed this viewing. I (ahem) chalk it up to the three characters’ stir craziness, having been pent up together in their small cell. Either way, it is a fantastic and surprising scene that kills me every time I view it. (I don’t want to give too much else away)

If you haven’t seen Down By Law yet, put it on your must-see-films list. I’ll admit that it isn’t for everyone, but if you do see it let me know what you thought. I think it’s brilliant.

Down By Law is streaming on Criterion Collection and Max right now. I believe that you can rent it on Apple TV as well.

Tally Mark Press News - June

Tally Mark News

New Greeting Cards

Happy Birthday, Graduation, and Many Thanks Cards Now Available

I recently finished some colorful Happy Birthday, Graduation, and Many Thanks greeting cards. They were fun to make and came out vibrant and psychedelic. I’m happy with how they turned out. Purchase all three designs HERE.

Two New Show Posters

Mid West Music Fest and Sam Amidon / MMAM Commemorative Show Posters Now Available For Sale In the Tally Mark Press Store

May was a busy month for Tally Mark Press. I set up a booth for two very funky Winona-based music events.

On Saturday, May 13th, I was a the Mid West Music Fest, where I sold a limited edition commemorative mini-poster.

The following Saturday, May 20th, I set up a booth during the Sam Amidon Driftless concert at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. I designed and printed a commemorative show poster for that event as well. You can see both below. Both are now available for sale on the Tally Mark Press Store.

Joe Meek & The Blue Men

Joe Meek’s Tea Chest Tapes: The “I Hear a New World” Sessions
(Cherry Red Records, 2023)

I’ve been prepping for an upcoming show at a local gallery and the under-lying theme of the show will be my love for collaged music. I recently came across this excellent reissue of Joe Meek and The Blue Men’s rare I Hear a New World album.

I Hear a New World Sessions: An Alternative Outer Space Fantasy, 10-inch Vinyl EP includes the sessions behind the recordings. This is right up my alley and if you’re into early electronics, experimental recording techniques, surf music, Ennio Morricone, Esquivel, early Beach Boys, or early space rock, this will take you to those planets. I dig it.

Hidari

An Epic Wooden Puppet Samurai Stop-Motion Film

A stop-motion samurai tale about a legendary Japanese sculptor? Yes, please! Super cool.

Here’s a Teaser/Pilot of what looks to be an epic film.

They have a Kickstarter campaign. Consider supporting it if you are so inclined: https://www.spoon-tamago.com/jingoro-hidari-stop-motion/

Tally Mark Press News - May

Tally Mark News

Tally Mark Press Will Be At Two(!) Artisan Markets This Month - Both in Winona

Saturday, May 13th - Mid West Music Festival
Saturday, May 20th - MMAM Sam Amidon and Ensemble

I’ll be setting up a booth for two music-related events right here in Winona, in May. At both events I’ll be selling my cards, art prints, posters, and a few other things.

1) Mid West Music Fest is hosting a Makers Market on Saturday, May 13th. I’ll be setting up a booth in Levee Park along the banks of the Mississippi.

More information is available on the Mid West Music Fest website: midwestmusicfest.org.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
10am to 6pm
LEVEE PARK
Winona, MN
Link to Google Map

2) The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is hosting a Driftless Makers Market to coincide with the Sam Amidon and Ensemble Driftless concert. This concert is being presented outdoors in the Riverwalk Gardens of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on the banks of the Mississippi River. I’ll be joining a handful of other local artisans displaying and selling our crafts. Sam Amidon is one of my favorite contemporary musicians and I’m sure that this show will not disappoint.

More information can be found on the MMAM website: mmam.org

Saturday, May 20, 2023
5pm to 9pm
Gates open at 5pm - Concert starts 7pm
MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM
Winona, MN
Link to Google Map

Tally Mark Press Artwork in Latest Issue of Ocooch Mountain Echo

I’m proud to have my Paddle With Drawdowns artwork included in the latest issue of Ocooch Mountain Echo magazine. I love this publication and I’m honored to have been included. They had me tweak the colors of my Paddle With Drawdowns to a fresh new summer color palette. I like how it came out and when I get some time, I hope to print an edition of this color variant.

For folks that live and work in the area, you will be able to find this magazine at locations like the Peoples and Bluff Country coops. Alternatively, you can purchase this issue, subscribe, and purchase books by authors like Charlie Parr (!) on the Ocooch Mountain Echo / Ramshackle Press website.

Tally Mark Press Now Available at The Shop at MCBA

One of my absolute favorite places in the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Center for Books Arts (MCBA) is now carrying some of my work. Visit them. The MCBA is a gem for book and print arts. To purchase online, visit this link: The Shop at MCBA.

Tally Mark Bookshelf

TOO FAST TO LIVE TOO YOUNG TO DIE
Punk & Post- Punk Graphics 1976-1986 by Andrew Krivine.
Pavilion, 2020.

Krivine’s book Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die: Punk & Post-Punk Graphics 11976-1986 takes me back to college days when I was first being exposed to new music and new ways of thinking. This book is the author’s notes, recollections, and discoveries about his love for the Punk and Post-Punk movements, along with his extensive collection of ephemera. It reads like a journal of sorts. As a graphic designer, it’s fun to see flyers and posters from well-known groups like The Clash and Iggy and Stooges but from lesser known groups like 999 and The Adverts. Punk and Post-Punk graphics have influenced a lot of graphic artists over the years and this book shines a light on a lot on that influence. It’s a wondeful collection of flyers, posters, and other ephemera. An added bonus is that the cover was designed by two design legends, Malcolm Garett and Peter Saville. This is an obvious labor of love for Krivine. Long live the collectors and long live their collections.

Tally Mark Audio

Trees Speak, Mind Maze, Soul Jazz Records

I bought this album based on a recommendation. I’ve been rocking this album a lot lately, especially in the studio. It combines a lot of elements of psych jazz, kraut rock, post-punk, and funky soundtracks. I dig it. Trees Speak are a duo from Tucson. Their sound seems much larger than a duo. To my ears, there are elements of BEAK>, Bad Bad Not Good, Broadcast, Can, Portishead, and Stereolab. It’s a nice cluster of recordings. To be sure, I will be checking out the rest of their catalog.

Kill Your Darlings

Stephen King’s 20 Rules For Writing (and for other creatives, honestly)

“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. Writing is magic, as much as the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink.”

I Can Relate. Can You Relate?

Final Draft

Tally Mark Press News - April

Tally Mark News

Some Tally Mark Press news as well as a few things that have been grabbing my attention lately.
The plan is to make this a monthly update.

MN Leaves Reprinted

New Editions Including:
A Winona Version, Greeting Card Versions, and Updated Color Palettes

I got around to reprinting new editions of the MN Leaves art prints. Color palettes were tweaked slightly for both the Summer and Fall versions and I included a new Winter variation. In addition, all three variants were printed as greeting cards. I’m happy with how these turned out. They are for sale on the Tally Mark Press Store.

MMAM Flora & Fauna Poster

2023 Season Announcement Poster

Last fall I had the pleasure of designing and screen printing a poster and mailer announcing the Minnesota Marine Art Museum 2023 Season. The MMAM approached me to design a poster and mailer that would help announce and celebrate their 2023 season, Flora & Fauna. An edition of 50 posters was printed. It was a fun one.

Tally Mark Bookshelf

FELIX BELTRÁN, VISUAL INTELLIGENCE:
GRAPHIC DESIGN IN A SOCIAL SENSE.
A graphic anthology by Un Mundo Feliz, Sonia Diaz, & Gabriel Martinez.
Optik Books, English Edition, 2022.

I came across Félix Beltrán’s work back in design school in a History of Graphic Design course. Beltrán’s iconic posters depicting Che Guevara will probably be what most people will recognize but, as this book reveals, Beltrán’s work goes much deeper and far broader. I highly recommend this monograph for anyone who is interested in graphic design history, mid-century modernism, conceptual graphic design, humanist design, Central American designers, abstract geometric design, posters, and logo design.

Tally Mark Audio

For the Birds: The Birdsong Project, Volumes I-V

If anyone wants to buy me a birthday present (hint, hint) this would be HUGE. Quite literally. The Birdsong Project is “. . . a collection of 172 pieces of new music inspired by the beauty of birdsong, performed by artists from across the musical spectrum.” This is a beautiful 20 LP box set with the proceeds benefiting The National Audubon Society. What I’ve listened to so far online is fantastic. Tracks by Bibio, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Shearwater, Nick Cave, Money Mark, Julia Holter, Masayoshi Fujita, Philip Glass, and many others. Poetry read by celebrities, writers, and other performers are interspersed. The box set includes a 60-page booklet. I’d love to one day get my hands on this box set. A man can dream, right?

One more thing. If you like Japanese Woodblock Printing, make sure that you set aside ample time for this site: Ukiyo-e

Valentine's Day 2023 - New Cards Available

I just put up a handful of new greeting card designs that are Valentine’s Day appropriate. I’m also offering 10% Off any greeting cards on the Tally Mark Store, including all of the new designs. Simply enter VAL2023 at checkout to receive 10% off.

Find the new cards and many other designs in the Tally Mark Store.

New Custom Print Featured - Shakespeare Inspired

I apologize for this very last minute news - I will have a print featured as part of the upcoming Winona County History Center group show, Shakespeare Inspired.

Below is a sneak peak at the print I submitted. It is a quote from the play, Coriolanus: Act III, Scene 2. Which I took to mean, doing something is the best and most persuasive power we have. Doing something is the only way to move forward.

For more information, follow these links:
https://riverartsalliance.org/2022/06/15/shakespeare-inspired-art-show/

http://www.winonahistory.org/artgallery.html

For those of you in the Winona area, I hope to see you at the opening. For those of you that cannot make it in person, note that I will post these and a color variant to the Tally Mark Store soon.