Enmeshed explores the mutualism inherent to biological relationships and the social and cultural shifts which are needed in order to evolve and transform. Looking to the natural world for models, we can learn from one of the oldest living organisms on Earth—the lichen. A composite being made of three distinct species, the lichen is resilient precisely because of their relationship to one another. Each of the species, while autonomous in its characteristics and needs, is dependent on another for survival. What emerges is a different organism altogether, living in sustainable balance made possible through mutual aid. Using the expression of the book form, the artists interpret transformative symbiosis across genre, language, design, and discipline through multimodal collaboration.

Enmeshed was created by Anne Greenwood Rioseco and Daniela del Mar working in conjunction with lichenologist, Lalita Calabria, for the Science Stories: a collaborative exhibit showcasing Book Artists and Scientists at the University of Puget Sound, co-curated by Lucia Harrison, Peter Wimberger, and Jane Carlin.

The structure is a flag book and broadsides are printed on 100% recycled Gmund Heidi Soft Kraft 122# paper and the end boards are covered in Dubletta. Each flag is letterpress printed on a Canuck Proof Press and handcolored by the artists. All illustrations are by Leanne Smith-Lucero and the poem “Rhizinate” was written by Eduardo Gabrieloff for this book. The silk ribbon enclosure is hand-dyed with Letharia vulpina.

Ten percent of all sales from this book, and funds generated from the forthcoming accompanying suite of four broadsides, will be donated to Bark, Watchdog for Mt. Hood National Forest to support the return of Indigenous conservancy on stolen land. Bark works to restore the prevalence of natural processes to Mt. Hood forests as well as the public's investment in its protection and care.

Thanks to the Ford Family Foundation & the Regional Arts and Culture Council for partially funding this project.

Enmeshed (book) 43” x 12.5” x 5” open / 9.5” x 12.5” x .75” closed, 2021, hardcover flag book letterpress printed on 100% recycled Gmund Heidi Soft Kraft 122# with polymer plates, colored pencil, Dubletta book cloth, davey board, PVA, and silk ribbon hand-dyed with Letharia vulpina (wolf lichen), edition of 5

Enmeshed Broadsides 11” x 14” single / 11.25 x 14.25 x .25” suite of broadsides with enclosure, 2021, letterpress printed on 100% recycled Gmund Heidi Soft Kraft 122# with polymer plates, colored pencil, Neenah Environmental Wrought Iron 80#, edition of 40 sets