Over a month ago now we took delivery of a box of lovely new books. As with any of our book jobs, we were thrilled to be able to finally leaf through something which we had only seen on screen during the design process.

Unfortunately they then sat in a box whilst ointment decided how best to release them into the wild. Fittingly enough, the launch is to take place in the location where the project started in the first place - Ty Canol woods in Pembrokeshire (a National Nature Reserve with 400 species of lichen amongst other things). And what better way to launch a book about artists walking, than with a selection of walks.

It all kicks off at 2pm on 26th July 2008, at the Urdd Centre, Canolfan Pentre Ifan, Felindre Farchog, Crymych, Pembrokeshire SA41 3XE with a selection of walks including: botanising; meanderthal; elasticated; outdoor philosophy and short, followed by the launch of the book and some ‘light refreshments’ - biscuits, booze or both.

All you need to do to take part is to let ointment know, by emailing enquiries[at]ointment.org.uk

Update: for those of you who simply can’t wait till then, you can now buy the book on amazon

For about six months now we’ve been working on a great project which has thrown up some very interesting, if problematic design challenges. The project is an international, trilingual (English, Welsh and French) book called Crwydro / Marcheurs des bois.

The book documents an exchange between west Wales based artists collective ointment and Boreal Art/Nature, who are based in the wilds of Quebec. The exchange involved two residencies: one in the stunning, moss covered Ty Canol woods near Pentre Ifan in Pembrokeshire in a balmy April; the other in the ice-bound frozen landscape of Reserve Faunique Rouge Matawin, Quebec, in February.

The book gives the projects a new dimension, continuing some of the discussions begun during the residencies and enabling the artists to revisit and reflect on their various working processes.

One thing we’re very pleased about is the book format, which avoids standard practice for artist’s catalogues, instead opting for a pocket sized, 112 x 180mm. Shrinking the format necessitated an increase in the page count and, at 116 pages there’s plenty of room for an exchange of views.

We’re hoping to go to print early in February and will, of course, post details as soon as the publication is ready.