Ben Fasman didn’t have to look far for the subject of his art-book imprint’s first release. The answer was literally written on his arm, thigh, and buttocks, all of which have been tattooed by the artist Robert Ryan.
Fasman first began tinkering with the idea of starting an imprint several years ago, as he was winding down as a freelance writer for outlets such as the Economist, Juxtapoz, and Stop Smiling. He and Chicago-based artist Cody Hudson envisioned a publishing company that would produce limited-run art prints and high-end book titles. But after Hudson’s first child was born and Fasman ramped up his commitments as a manager at the restaurant and bar group One Off Hospitality, the plan was shelved. When Kinsella was handed the reins of Featherproof in July 2014 and Fasman left his position at One Off soon after, the two quickly got to work on the Ryan book.
Under the Mandible Projects umbrella, Fasman plans to put on more art shows and reissue out-of-print albums, among other creative endeavors, though he’s reluctant to say too much. “I just wouldn’t want to announce something and have it fall through,” he says. For now, he can rest assured that at least Ryan’s artwork won’t vanish. Tattoos may fade, but the book has made the artist’s designs indelible. v
(Featherproof Books)
Book release and exhibition opening Sat 8/6, 7-10 PM Great State Gallery 1148 W. Grand 312-870-0458greatlakestattoo.com Free
