One of the best things about attending a portfolio review like Photolucida, is that you not only reconnect with photographer friends, but you get to see the evolution and celebration of projects over time.  Two years ago, I laid eyes on Fritz Liedtke’s glowing hand-printed photogravures from the Astra Velum series and I’ve been thrilled to see the project well celebrated since then.

At Photolucida, I was able see the Astra Velum Limited Edition Artist Book that Fritz has created. It’s a collaboration with author Gina Ochsner, who wrote a poignant essay to accompany the work and bookmaker Rory Sparks. The book is truly a work of art–the cover itself is handmade paper embedded with Mica, so that the book shimmers in the light reflecting the the glowing images inside. To find out more about the book and/or to place an order, visit his site.

The Astra Velum limited edition artist book includes superb archival prints of 19 Astra Velum images.  The 9.5 x 12.5 x 1-inch thick book is hardbound in a custom Cave paper reflecting the celestial theme of the series.  The book also includes an introduction by the artist, and a colophon numbered and signed by the artist. The book is limited to an edition of only 25 copies.  Additional options, such as the custom clamshell case, and the inclusion of a photogravure print, are also available.

Living in Portland, Oregon, Fritz received a BFA in photography and has garnered numerous awards and grants for his work.  He has exhibited widely and been published and collected around the country.