When the idea for a magazine, at the intersection of action and contemplation, first germinated, I returned to the image of a clerestory: light and fresh air pouring into an old, storied, sacred space. I hoped to create a place for writers, artists, activists, and scholars to engage with important subjects, both ancient and modern. I wanted to create space for clear stories to enliven our ways of knowing, understanding, relating, and being. For the first two years, we fostered conversation and creative work on seasonal themes online only. With contemplation at the heart of our work, it seemed like a good idea to take this work offline and onto the page, to provide our readers with a calmer, more contemplative reading experience.
I contacted the Vancouver-based design firm Studio Faculty for help with art direction, layout design, and print production. Together, we created a 190-page volume on contemplation with two cover designs featuring photographs from British photographer Daniel Casson. One, ecru with an image of a moon; the other, sage green with an image of a misty Scottish bothy. I curated all the photography, conducted interviews, and solicited and edited every piece. It was a true labor of love from a dream team.
When the time came to select a printer, Hemlock Printers stood out as our clear partner. Hemlock specializes in sustainable printing practices with the highest quality craftsmanship, in small and large batch printing. Their attention to detail and care shone through in the final product. Together, we chose to print the Clerestory volume on Domtar Lynx smooth uncoated paper, selected a debossed cover treatment, and bound it using a layflat binding method to allow the magazine to open flat.
When we released the print volume, we also released a full range of print products, including postcards and bookmarks designed with Connie Barton of Studio Connie and a very special hand-illustrated bookplate created with artist Hannah Cousins.
Our store will be closing in late spring 2024. However, if you're interested in purchasing a digital or print copy of the volume, you may reach out to sarahjames@clerestorymag.com to request one. If we are able to fulfill your request, we will reply.