Rough Cookie

Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference... Screenprinting instead of offset printing. The fact that a book is clearly handmade by an artist and not an overseas factory. Small editions that are hand numbered. Getting a handwritten "thank you" or some free stickers in your order. These are some of the small things an artist with little money can offer that big-time publishers simply won't find cost effective. I have nothing but love for art books of all types (even the ones I hate), but there are certain books you treat with extra care. Some books provide information (or, with most art books, images) and some books take the extra step towards becoming -for lack of a better term- a collectible, or a trophy. Some books are reproductions of art work, and some are artwork. Mel Kadel's Rough Cookie is one of those latter books that you hold dear.

Rough Cookie is 40 pages of Mel Kadel's delicate artwork, all printed in full color. 5.5" x 8.5" in size, 3 color screenprinted cover on printmaking paper, hand numbered and signed by Mook herself, an edition of 100. Most of the artwork is presented as 2-page spreads. The really topper for this book is that not only are the original works of art made on coffee-stained paper, the entire book is printed on coffee-stained paper. This gives the artwork (and publication altogether) an earthy, worn-in feeling. It even smells a just a tiny bit like coffee, which is about as comforting an aroma as I can think of.

The artwork itself is fragile and bold, decorative and narrative, colorful without being bright and glaring. The coffee-soaked paper pages bring the negative space tones down a notch and gives the color of the artwork a subtle impact. The imagery is often of women struggling within a decorative, sometimes textile, environment. The figures portray a strength and defiance, never submitting to the will of their environments, never accepting the label of victim. What could easily be dismissed as pretty patterns and line work is made dynamic and powerful by the figures interaction.

Rough Cookie stands out from other work I've seen of Mel Kadel's (mostly in collaborative zines) as a genuine voice. With her drawing skills and choice of subjects it would be easy for her work to become sarcastic, humorous, or pure illustration. But The art is feminine and strong, and in an art community that is all but dominated by men, this is no small accomplishment.

So, here is the deal. I only have a few copies of Rough Cookie available. I suggest you waste not a moment. Like I said, each book is full color, printed on coffee-soaked paper, screenprinted covers, hand signed and numbered (2nd edition of 100) by the artist. They cost only $20 (plus shipping) so get it now or regret it for the rest of your days.

For those who tried to order in the recent past only to find us sold out: we got a limited number of copies back in stock. Act now!