In partnership with our friends at Bookmobile, we helped six artists and photographers create their own books for FREE (five of which are now complete). We’re thrilled to finally share the incredible results! This time around the winners were: Sander Coers, Miya Turnbull, Ashley A. Ross, Jeremy Starn, Barbara Gabrielle and Benny Zenga. Some of them opted to upgrade and enhance certain aspects of their books, and each person pursued a distinct aesthetic direction.

Independently owned and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bookmobile began as a design and typesetting production house in 1982, then started offering print services in 1996, and distribution services in 2004. When your books come to Bookmobile, they get the benefit of forty-one years of know-how. If you want to learn more about Bookmobile, you can check out their website here, or email them directly here.

We know it’s a dream for many of you to publish a book of your own work, so we’re beyond excited to announce that we’re doing it all again this year! Have a look at five of the completed book projects below and submit to our 2024 Art & Photo Book Award below:

Open for submissions

Blue Mood (Al Mar) by Sander Coers reflects on the challenges of growing up, the search for self-acceptance, and the vulnerability of adolescent men. Some really striking photos and ya gotta love the translucent dust jacket.

Omote (面) by Miya Turnbull documents a collaborative project by three Canadian artists: Miya Turnbull (visual artist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia), Shion Skye Carter (dance artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia), and Nanne Springer (photographer based in Montréal, Québec). These photos of Shion and Miya were captured by Nanne in April 2023 at the 206 Studio and Arts Hub, located in Montréal, Québec, during the premiere of their live performance of Omote (面). Available here.

10/27/03 by Ashley A. Ross utilizes portraiture and personal familial memorabilia to explore themes of indoctrination and identity within the confines of a religious upbringing. The title is a date taken from a certificate given to the artist during childhood, following their baptism. This body of work calls to question who gets to constitute the spiritual value of a Black adolescent and how growing up with stringent belief systems can influence how one’s identity is formed. Available here.

Displacement by Jeremy Starn contains 80 black and white images of the building of Ceiba, a 150′ foot wooden tall ship. Currently being built on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the goal of the project is to provide zero emission cargo freight shipping between the Americas using traditional sailing practices. The shipyard and vessel were built by a committed and passionate group of traditional boat builders and creatives. This photo book shares the building of the ship and the life of the builders. Available here.

*Complex of the Soul* by Bárbara Gabrielle

Complex of the Soul by Barbara Gabrielle seeks to deconstruct stereotypes associated with Brazil. Carnival and football are usually among the few things foreigners recognize as positive aspects when discussing Brazilian culture, while favelas are frequently associated with violence. Gabrielle says she wanted to show the “other side of the coin.” This book tells the story of Faiska and Fumassa, who were born and raised in the peripheral community known as the “Complexo da Alma,” where they still reside. Their desire is to change misconceptions often associated with marginalized communities, and this book aims to advance them toward this goal. Available here.

If you want the opportunity to publish a book of your own work, you can submit to the 2024 Art & Photo Book Award below:

2024 Art & Photo Book Award

Open for submissions