From the matching sticker, the refined double binding thread to the choice of paper, this is an gift-wrapped artwork in book form. Clearly a more in-depth follow-up to Sigrid Calon’s 2012 book: also a Best Dutch Book Design, which naturally raised the question of whether this should once again be included in the selection. The answer to which had to be an unreserved yes. Because, imagine the incredible organisation needed to make this book: not only for Calon’s superb Riso artistry, but also for the great manual binding. A festival of printing from her complex set of shapes. Yet also modest and without excessive show.
In spite of the limited means used in terms of design language, and the production on her own machines, this book transcends the work of craft bookmakers. What could so easily have just become a stack of bound sheets, now has the feel of a real book. In addition, the typography is very strong, and is carried through into details such as the sticker placed on the wrapping paper (in which the book is sent). In the cleverly made index of shapes, the minimal pressure deviation is proof that this artist has used all her experience to once again produce a world-class Riso publication.