Dispatches: Zoë Sadokierski

Australia turned out to be a trip of audio difficulties, but even with a blown XLR cable and ONE working microphone Zoë Sadokierski is a voice that comes through in surround sound. For ANYONE with an interest in books, design, writing or blazing new trails this interview is for you. A designer of over 250 books and president of the Australian Book Designers Association, she is on the forefront of all things book culture. Zoë is a maker. She writes, illustrates, designs and publishes on a regular basis, using new technologies as tools of experimentation and exploration. Not to mention she writes a column on book culture and reading for The Conversation, and also established Bookwork Press, an independent publisher of visual essays, artist’s books and multiples using print-on-demand publishing platforms. Is that all? Yes, for now.

Normally when I meet someone for an interview I’m the one pulling out books and magazines, but yesterday, even before my audio rig was out, Zoë handed me two of her latest creations and asked “Have you seen these yet?” From then on it’s playing catchup and trying to act like I know JUST enough to be in the same room with her, but like all supreme creatives she leaves me feeling like I want to run home and open InDesign. I find her endlessly inspiring and I hope you do as well. Thanks Zoë.