Let me start the year off by expressing my most sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Flesk Publications. For every book purchased, for each recommendation to a friend or store, for all individuals who have written a book review or mentioned us on a blog or social media site; all of these combined methods of assistance has gone a long way to helping us continue with our passion of making art books that reflect the spirit of each artist we publish. You have my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Flesk Publications. It was in April 2002 that I received my first book, Franklin Booth: Painter with a Pen, from the printer. In mid-2001 I had the urge to make a book on an artist whose work I loved and set out to do it. At that time I had no thoughts of establishing a business, approaching other artists and turning my passion into a livelihood. I was solely committed to the one book. Holding the Franklin Booth book in my hands for the first time was like being injected with printer ink. From that moment on publishing was in my blood.
I think ten years of publishing is worth celebrating. I would like to do this by making some fun and exciting goodies (some will be free and others very exclusive) throughout the year to say thanks to all of our supporters. Be on the lookout for these items at shows and online.
At the moment we are processing all of our orders and pre-orders for the new Bruce Timm, Craig Elliott and Warren Chang books. The Bruce Timm deluxe is flying out the door. We’re down to 200 out of the 1000 copies. I think it is safe to say that this edition will sell out.
The event I am most looking forward to this year is the inaugural Spectrum Fantastic Art Live in Kansas City, Missouri running from May 18-20. I have reserved four booths for the show and will have William Stout, Gary Gianni, Mark Schultz and Petar Meseldzija with me. Craig Elliott will have his own booth, too. I’m delighted to have all of us together again. (Our first trip together was for the Strip Festival in The Netherlands last September.)
I am currently working on the keepsake art book that will celebrate the five guests at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. Brom, Mike Mignola, Iain McCaig, Phil Hale and Andrew Jones will each have a gallery showcasing their amazing works. I consider each to be an icon. I am embracing the challenge, pressure and high expectations of my working with these five superb individuals to make something fresh that I hope will properly pay tribute to each and to the show.
There are plenty of new books in the works. I’ve been talking to a few artists about collections of their work. Some may seem like a natural fit with other artists I’ve published, while others might surprise you. If anything, I don’t want to follow any set of rules or conventions. As I enter 2012 I am energetic and eager to continue publishing.
To wrap this up I would like share how thankful I am for the opportunity to publish the works of the following outstanding gentlemen, and for the friendships that have been created as a result. To James Bama, Warren Chang, Terry Dodson, Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldzija, Steve Rude, Mark Schultz, Jim Silke and Mr. Bruce Timm. I would also like to recognize the great and sorely missed Al Williamson, and my thanks to his wife Cori who has allowed us to continue with future publications featuring his legacy.
Happy New Year!
John
John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text © 2011 John Fleskes