Letters from our objects: Adam J. Kurtz
As you know, our 3rd issue PUNKS & Scholars publishes a mash-up of experimental writing as well as literary and curio objects. And since we’re duch DUM teases, we’ll give you a peek at a few of our Issue 3 objects right up until our blowout festival-sized February 9 release party at Echo Country Outpost.
We first met Adam at Printed Matter’s NY Art Book Fair last September. We had a major design crush on him from his cheeky, sentimental art objects on the Internet, and watched as he launched a mega successful Kickstarter campaign for 2013 planners. When Issue 3 was coming together, we knew we wanted him as a contributor. We’re absolutely in love with his matchbox sets, “Three strikes (you’re out),” made especially for our box .
Here’s a note from Adam:
Three strikes is hard. Twenty is even harder. A hundred is harder still. Handle with caution (and know when enough is enough).
“Three strikes (you’re out)” was first a hypothetical object in my “HOME-BREW 2” zine. I didn’t know what it was. It was a feeling. It was an idea of what I know about love, without using the word, because you don’t get to use that word until a somewhat-defined moment in a relationship when both parties have already communicated the idea non-verbally, and I just wasn’t there yet.
DUM DUM was the perfect opportunity to create a tangible version of the same idea, and time-wise, it felt all the more pertinent because I was in the middle of realizing that I really cared about someone strongly and then also that they had the power to now fully destroy me and maybe would.
“That thing I don’t want to talk about” is a burning flame–warm, bright, shiny, and entirely destructive if left unattended. These matches are short bursts, twenty tiny fires, just enough light or just enough to get going, but ultimately if you hold on too long, you’re going to get burned. Not only that, but you’re left with an empty, tattered book and a broken spine. Get a fucking lighter, asshole.
These matches are a tool and a weapon and that is literally terrifying.
Can’t handle the suspense? Neither can we! Come to Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair this weekend where we’ll be selling the issue pre-release for $28. We’ll also have free DIY Bookmarks and tons of swag.
Friday, February 1, 11 am–5 pm
Saturday, February 2, 11 am–6 pm
Sunday, February 3, 12 pm–6 pm
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
152 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-6222 | moca.org | (map)