Lafayette College’s EPI and CaPA Programs Publish First Work by Burmese Writer, Khet Mar

Lafayette College is pleased to announce its collaboration with Burmese writer and journalist, Khet Mar. Born in 1969 Burma, Khet Mar is now a resident of City of Asylum in Pittsburgh, a sanctuary for writers who suffered persecution in their home countries. Khet Mar first visited Lafayette College in November 2011 through the combined efforts of Jim Toia, Director of the Creative and Performing Arts (CaPA) Fellowship program, and Professor Curlee Holton, Director of Lafayette’s Experimental Printmaking Institute (EPI). The CaPA Fellowship is made possible by the generosity of Bruce '65 and Jackie P '02 Maggin and the Maggin Family. Currently, EPI is producing Khet Mar’s limited edition, fine artist’s book, "The Souls of Fallen Flowers." This edition of twenty-five hand sewn, hand bound books are individually printed by specially selected digital, serigraphic, and relief processes on archival materials. Hand printed elements are used as emblems throughout the book, giving it figurative and meaningful punctuation. Also giving the book special distinction are the translucent images juxtaposed over text, echoing the layers of meaning in Khet Mar’s writing and her husband, Than’s artwork. EPI’s resident book artist, MaryAnn Miller is working with Khet Mar on the book, faithfully reproducing its brilliant color from original art. Miller calls the book “a window into a treacherous world, gently opened for the reader,” and refers to its “beautiful, atmospheric writing, capturing a great love for community and country.” Scott Lyttle, EPI’s digital printing technician, is also working on digitally printing the book. Three Lafayette students are also participating on the publication with Khet Mar and Miller. The first, Christa Martinez ‘13 works with Miller on binding procedures for the Mar book. She is presently working as a teaching assistant and apprentice for Professor Holton. An exceptionally gifted artist, and a member of McKelvey House, Martinez plans to pursue honors in studio art during her senior year. The second student, Sarah Quickel ‘13 assists Miller with the letter press process and organization of the book design. Quickel has worked as Professor Holton's teaching assistant and as an intern doing advanced graphic arts and drawing projects. She recently received her first professional painting commission, and will be participating in study abroad in Europe during her spring semester. The third student, Elizabeth Anderson ‘14, is involved with CaPA, and will continue working with Professor Holton on this project through the summer. This will be Khet Mar’s first book published in the United States, as well as EPI’s first publically promoted publication. The publication of this limited edition will also serve to commemorate EPI’s fifteenth year of operation, and its commitment to art of all mediums. "The Souls of Fallen Flowers" is a token of the college’s collaborative spirit, and hopefully the first of many books published by what could be known as “The Lafayette Limited Editions Press.” EPI, along with CaPA, the Friends of Skillman Library, the office of the Provost, and the English Department will be hosting a reception honoring Lafayette’s collaboration with such a courageous and gifted writer on February 24th, 2012 from 4:30-6:30pm at the Chateau Chavaniac in Easton, Pennsylvania. If you'd like to attend this event, please contact Anna Schaefer at 610-330-5922 or schaefea@lafayette.edu by Friday, February 17.