My practice in 2025 & Beyond
"Making something that would never have existed in the entirety of humanity had I not been there at that specific moment to make it." — Kaveh Akbar, Martyr!
This year brought a significant shift: discovering joy in reflection and articulation about completed work. After delivering the Scrimshaw lecture early in the year, the practice of examining, explaining, and contemplating artistic output became central to the creative process.
The practice expanded substantially to encompass artist books, zines, and paper reliefs, alongside launching a new art-focused publication. Greater confidence emerged in both technical execution and idea expression. Reviewing previous year-end reflections reveals a consistent thread: the desire to produce more work while establishing the necessary systems to support increased creative output.
For the coming year, intentions remain straightforward. The goal involves creating more pieces, scaling up in ambition and size, and connecting with audiences who resonate with the work. No elaborate metaphors needed—just clear aspirations released outward.
Graphic of the year
Book Superlatives
- Most likely to live up to the hype: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
- Most likely to please the book club: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Most likely to make you think: Fantasy by Bruno Munari
- Most likely to make you cry: Clementine, Book 3 by Tillie Walden
- Most likely to expand your practice: Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.: Citizen Printer by Letterform Archive
- Most Visually Stunning (Tie): Absolute Man Hunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez; The Power Fantasy by Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard
- Best New Series (Tie): Absolute Man Hunter; The Power Fantasy
- Best Reread: Finna by Nate Marshall
- Best Marathon Read: Tsubasa by CLAMP
Best of Non-Books
- Music Video: THAT GUY — Tyler the Creator
- Song: Dr. Britt Baker — Westside Gunn ft DJ Drama
- Album: Let God Sort Em Out — The Clipse
- Artist of the year: Westside Gunn
- Newsletter: Garbage Day
- Podcast: Articles of Interest
- Movie: Weapons
- Game: Hollow Knight: Silksong
- TV Show: The Studio