The Creation Story of the (un) familiar
A Limited-Edition Handmade Book of Original Rune Poems
A Limited-Edition Handmade Book of Original Rune Poems
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This sacred altar book of rune poems is a limited edition. Only 33 copies were made. Each copy is numbered and begins with the rune poem corresponding to that number.
It's not just a book. It's not just a tool. It's more than a sacred object. It's a living source of wisdom that changes each time you read it, just as you are changing each time you read it and yet all things remain the same in this endless cycle of change. The poems have no punctuation, and the cycle of them has no beginning and no ending so they can be read top to bottom, bottom to top, forward and backward.
It's not just a book. It's not just a tool. It's more than a sacred object. It's a living source of wisdom that changes each time you read it, just as you are changing each time you read it and yet all things remain the same in this endless cycle of change. The poems have no punctuation, and the cycle of them has no beginning and no ending so they can be read top to bottom, bottom to top, forward and backward.
Ingrid Kincaid
"33 runes 33 poems 33 words 33 books. It began. It ended. It’s a cycle, a circle. The ending is always the beginning. I conceived and birthed a book that is alive and breathing; it is intimate and personal. It invites you to participate with it, to write in the margins, to sketch, to mark, to inhale, to embrace. Deep indents created by intentional pressing of letters into the paper beg to be filled with each reading. To be the guardian of an (un)familiar is a sacred obligation.
Each book is totally unique. Not only did the runes direct me to order them in a sequence slightly different from what is considered usual, not changing the sequence, just beginning and ending in different places, they informed me right at the end that each of the 33 numbered copies had to start with the rune that represented its number. This caused a bit of a surprise for those who had pre-ordered the books because in most cases the number they selected wasn't attached to the rune they expected. And of course that would be the case, the name of the book is (un) familiar.
The runes are vibrating, revealing themselves as the ice melts, speaking through me. Together we have breathed a book into existence, one letter, one word, one stitch, one piece of paper at a time."
"33 runes 33 poems 33 words 33 books. It began. It ended. It’s a cycle, a circle. The ending is always the beginning. I conceived and birthed a book that is alive and breathing; it is intimate and personal. It invites you to participate with it, to write in the margins, to sketch, to mark, to inhale, to embrace. Deep indents created by intentional pressing of letters into the paper beg to be filled with each reading. To be the guardian of an (un)familiar is a sacred obligation.
Each book is totally unique. Not only did the runes direct me to order them in a sequence slightly different from what is considered usual, not changing the sequence, just beginning and ending in different places, they informed me right at the end that each of the 33 numbered copies had to start with the rune that represented its number. This caused a bit of a surprise for those who had pre-ordered the books because in most cases the number they selected wasn't attached to the rune they expected. And of course that would be the case, the name of the book is (un) familiar.
The runes are vibrating, revealing themselves as the ice melts, speaking through me. Together we have breathed a book into existence, one letter, one word, one stitch, one piece of paper at a time."
(un) familiar has been featured in two Juried Art Book Exhibits
Sacred - Profane
International Art Book Exhibit
23 Sandy Gallery in Portland, Oregon November/December 2014
Myths & Legends
Biennial International Artist Books Exhibition
A6- Print Studio & Gallery in Bend, Oregon April 2015
Sacred - Profane
International Art Book Exhibit
23 Sandy Gallery in Portland, Oregon November/December 2014
Myths & Legends
Biennial International Artist Books Exhibition
A6- Print Studio & Gallery in Bend, Oregon April 2015
The Creation of (un) familiar
This book is very much alive and continued to change and shift, whisper and shout throughout the entire process of its creation. The last revelation about how unique and individual each one of the 33 copies was to be, came right at the end and it necessitated a significant increase in the number of sheets of paper required for printing. This meant that Jenn at Pulp and Deckle, a paper making studio in the St. Johns area of Portland, Oregon, had to almost double her production. She was making each sheet of paper by hand, creating the pulp, draining it and pressing the sheets. She had a large order to fill.
Jen wrote to me about her process:
"I've been working on your papers by myself in the studio. As you can imagine I experience a lot of different feelings and thoughts spending many hours forming the sheets. It's true that I find myself focusing on the rhythm of my breaths while pulling the pulp onto the screen and pressing it to dry. I can't let my mind wander too much or get agitated. It's a steady, slow rhythm that demands focus and patience. Thank you for the experience. I hope the papers give you pleasure."
Jen wrote to me about her process:
"I've been working on your papers by myself in the studio. As you can imagine I experience a lot of different feelings and thoughts spending many hours forming the sheets. It's true that I find myself focusing on the rhythm of my breaths while pulling the pulp onto the screen and pressing it to dry. I can't let my mind wander too much or get agitated. It's a steady, slow rhythm that demands focus and patience. Thank you for the experience. I hope the papers give you pleasure."
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Clare Carpenter of Tiger Food Press was involved in each part of the production process. Here she is with me at Oregon Leather, proudly holding the hides we chose to use in the binding of the books.
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Clare Carpenter
"The (un) familiar runes poems evolved and formed themselves as we worked, as is true of the book itself. What began as 18 folios, with poems printed recto/verso, morphed into an edition of three times the pages, each beginning with a different poem. Between each poem there is an empty page, a pause, a breath. They are printed on 100% cotton paper from Pulp & Deckle papermaking studio, made from a custom mold, folded and sewn into the book uncut, bound in a long-stitch."
Clare's Bio
Clare Carpenter is the proprietor of Tiger Food Press in the neighborhood of St. Johns, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Portland, Oregon. Her work is strongly influenced by place and how our landscape is imbued with personal histories. Primarily a letterpress printer, her work blends writing, traditional and contemporary print methods, and humor. Carpenter teaches letterpress and bookbinding around the Pacific Northwest, including at Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland and at Atelier 6000 in Bend. She enjoys working with clients on custom job printing, as well as with other artists and writers on collaborative art and publishing projects.
"Clare sent me pictures of the type setting process as she prepared the press for printing. We were only able to print 11 of the poems at a time due to the limited amount of type and spacing material she had available for her press, a Vandercook 4 Proof Press built in 1947. That's one year before I was born which makes the press a senior citizen. So much more intimacy is required when it's not a simple click on the computer and presto, the thing is done. There is also something very beautiful in the process of the setting of the type. It's rather like walking a labyrinth. Once you wind your way in, you must find your way out. Once you have set the type, letter by letter, space by space, you must then remove it." Ingrid
"The (un) familiar runes poems evolved and formed themselves as we worked, as is true of the book itself. What began as 18 folios, with poems printed recto/verso, morphed into an edition of three times the pages, each beginning with a different poem. Between each poem there is an empty page, a pause, a breath. They are printed on 100% cotton paper from Pulp & Deckle papermaking studio, made from a custom mold, folded and sewn into the book uncut, bound in a long-stitch."
Clare's Bio
Clare Carpenter is the proprietor of Tiger Food Press in the neighborhood of St. Johns, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Portland, Oregon. Her work is strongly influenced by place and how our landscape is imbued with personal histories. Primarily a letterpress printer, her work blends writing, traditional and contemporary print methods, and humor. Carpenter teaches letterpress and bookbinding around the Pacific Northwest, including at Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland and at Atelier 6000 in Bend. She enjoys working with clients on custom job printing, as well as with other artists and writers on collaborative art and publishing projects.
"Clare sent me pictures of the type setting process as she prepared the press for printing. We were only able to print 11 of the poems at a time due to the limited amount of type and spacing material she had available for her press, a Vandercook 4 Proof Press built in 1947. That's one year before I was born which makes the press a senior citizen. So much more intimacy is required when it's not a simple click on the computer and presto, the thing is done. There is also something very beautiful in the process of the setting of the type. It's rather like walking a labyrinth. Once you wind your way in, you must find your way out. Once you have set the type, letter by letter, space by space, you must then remove it." Ingrid
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Clare Carpenter
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Debra Lynn, Bend Oregon #29 Mannaz
My beautiful book arrived yesterday, safe and sound! I was pretty giddy as I signed for it and carried it across the threshold! It is clearly a rare treasure! The closure with bird (feather) and bark just added to the mystery! I've carried it around with me all day today...a dear companion already. The feel and smell and indented lettering take me to another place and time. I find myself unable to stop opening and feeling and sniffing its loveliness! I'm planning to read the poem daily for the rune I draw, and spread out the experience and discovery of each poem. I know my practice with runes and book will deepen and grow! Thank you! |
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Iciyapitate Kelly O'Shaughnessy, Ansuz #13
The Rune book (un) familiar is one of those things in life that you were not aware you were missing until it was in your hands. I truly love this book, not only the care that was put into the actual making of it, but the way the poems draw me in and help me understand that which lies within. Thank you Ingrid for allowing me to be one of the 33 who purchased the altar books. HUUL. |
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Ken Edwards, #33 Dagaz
My book is...well, my book. It was meant to reside with me, for a while at least. It is how I begin my interpretation of the runes that come to me. It is where I lose my mind and find my way. It is where I receive inspiration and divination. It is my first step into the past to reach my future. I cherish my relationship with my book and am so grateful that it was birthed and that I was able to be there. Thank you Ingrid. |
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Marguerite Nebata guardian of Uruz #11
"Watching this masterful piece of spiritual work unfold over the year has been inspiring. It's simple beauty is humbling. This book is an integral piece of my daily life now. I awake each morning to see what new insight or knowing it may spark." |
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Peg Morin, Redding California, guardian of Yr #4
"Oh Ingrid! It is so beautiful!!!! I poured a glass of wine and drew 3 runes. They were Kenaz, Fehu, and Ehwaz. I have almost memorized the first poem because it touched me so! The tears ran. What an amazing and blessed work of art! I will only read the poems as I draw the relative rune. In this way it will always be fresh and poignant. Thank you so much for this labor of love which will always be there to help me draw you close. I miss you and love you so much, I am so pleased and honored to have this incredible book of rune wisdom from you, ~yours always, Peg." |
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Erin Donley - 'As keeper of Jera 21, our relationship grows each day. The sweat of my hands seasons its leather. My fingerprints make their mark on its pages. My eyes get lost in the weight of each word, pressed with intention... oozing (un) familiar wisdom that resonates unlike anything else. I'll cherish this map for understanding and beacon of originality for as long as I live.'
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Cristyl Garner, guardian of Ior #5: - Cristyl purchased the first copy of the limited edition.
"I thought that I would sit and write a few words for you about the wonderful book that now lives with me. When I first brought it home I read the entire book out loud in a quiet, but not small, voice. I then changed my altar to give the book some space and fresh energy, after that I drummed for a while. Wow. I love the book, it looks and smells good. I am able to open it and read a passage and it spurs so much thought. I find the meanings different, and yet the same, as I read them again and again. This book is a cherished treasure to me. Thank you, it was well worth the wait!" This is what Cristyl shared about her book more than a year after buying it: "I am very glad to hear that all of the books have found a home. I love my book very much. I randomly read out of it almost every day. I love smelling the leathery, papery bookiness of it. It has a home on my alter and it travels with me when I roam. Thank you, from all that is me, for this gift of a book. |
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Kristie Williams, guardian of Wunjo #17
The (un) familiar is deepening the intimate and growing love affair between myself and the runes; arousing everything from lust to peace within me. I feel more awake than ever. The words and rhythm on each page intensely deepen my understanding of the raw and piercing meaning Runes have in my existence and all that is around me. Kristie's book begins: Wunjo fulfiller of wishes you care not for wisdom or folly... |
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Lori Jo Daniels - Eihwaz #22
It's like The Never Ending Story, you know that movie? As if you find something you don't expect to find anymore, in a book store. You feel it. You smell it. You hold it close. It's unique, one of a kind and you want to share it with others and tell them about it but at the same time you are possessive. From Lori Jo's book: "who will I become through willing sacrifice self to self fearing death I forget to live" |
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Stephanie Lostimolo, keeper of Ac #2.
It's so appropriate for her, especially because of her love for and connection with wolf energy and shapeshifting. "This means a lot to me. It's really important for me too. I came to a place where I was told I was either going to die or keep going but things were not going to be the same. I had to go on differently. This is so amazing, Ingrid. This is real, it's all new and so very ancient, older than mortal humans. Thank you." |
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Emma Finn - Sowelo came to me as I dreamed I journeyed to Sunna, the Sun. I am guardian of book #25
'I rise at dawn to greet you Sunna singing your song Sowelo you grant sight you blind the arrogant wolf chased horse drawn you disappear again I rise at dawn to greet you' And so begins my book. |
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Naomi St Clare, Othila #32 -
Each physical aspect of the book is a detail of beauty: Strong scent of the leather cover And the ridges on its spine Coarse yet soft feel to the paper And the ink that presses into it These 4 are witness to the 33 strange poems Each poem a being that circles within itself then around, then into the next |
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Marci Lynn, Santa Rosa California Ehwaz #28
Once again Ingrid has proven that she is the wise woman we always knew she was. I’m continually amazed at how much knowledge and information she has hidden in each poem, especially as I explore all the deities and sacred places she names. |
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Gina Louise - Stan #9:
"I sleep with my drum and now I'm adding the book. It's the perfect threesome. Me, Drum and Book. You know how I feel about the Jotun 9. That's one reason I picked #9 and now it is all mine I hold it with my heart 9 worlds apart through the roots of the world tree ingrid connects all 33. When receiving the book not knowing what rune would be assigned...it was no surprise to see STAN before my eyes along with Pertho, Isa and Ehwaz…and my pal Ymir." From the book: "petrified by salted wind I stand by megaliths unmovable" |
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Cori Liechty - Teiwaz #26
Cori is the person who purchased the last copy of the limited edition series. |
Trish Colwes Motter - Thurisaz #12
"I can't wait to sleep with it. It's like a lover. It's new and it's soft and it smells good and I can't wait to dig into it." |
Jannice MacDonald, Gebo #16
Beth Peters #27 Berkana
Dan Hanych, Laguz #30
Maureen Moss - Pertho #23
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Luna Whitney #7 Cweorth
judi goldberg - Isa #20
sitting on the threshold of stillness in movement container and contained spun and woven hissing serving now all or nothing |
Mikki Colmus - Kenaz #15
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Beverly Meida - Fehu #10 "I sleep with my book and just let things happen."
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Kristina Parks - #19 Nauthiz
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Carolyn Armstrong - Gar #1 Dave H. - Os #3 Roberta Coker - Ear #6 Rebecca Aumen - Calc #8 Julie Kendricks - Hagalaz #18 Craig Kincaid - Algiz #24 |