Dropped in for a quickie look at the book release party for Michael's "Dog Dreams". Really wished I could have stayed longer but had stupidly made prior commitments. The gathering at the San Francisco Center for the Book was a really welcoming crowd.
Good vibrations with a family ambiance, unpretentious types enjoying Michael and his art. I first became familiar with his art when he bought in his wonderful silk screened, Chinese Horoscope book, "Zoodiac" to Eclectix, a lovely designed and hand printed work.
His new "Dog Dreams" is a limited edition, letterpressed on Vandercook presses, little book of doggies doing all kinds of human stuff. A beautiful quality piece printed on paper you love to caress; the kind they used to use on all mass produced books, way back when there were plenty of trees to cut down.
Michael displayed some preliminary rough sketches for his book as well as a doggy collection of inspirational items.
Vintage books, memorabilia, photos and strange eclectic objects. (Sorry the reflective cases made the photos glare a bit) Very fun to peruse and it all gave the viewer a nice sense of the dedicated persona behind the work.
A great bonus - Michael and his partner sung and strummed together in a performance of dreamy oldies, including a fave 'Mamas and Papas' song. A sensitive, warm and touchy-feely time for all attending with great art to boot.
From SFCB: "Dog Dreams, written and illustrated by Michael Wertz, is a children's board book that imaginatively reveals the hopes, wishes, and ambitions of over a dozen dozing canines through playful imagery and rhyming text. "
There is also a fantastic exhibit of LA Lotteria images up at the center.
Buy the book- for your kids or the kid in you- here.
For a great set of production photos go here.
For the Wertzateria site go here.
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