Make Ink - by Jason Logan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Includes bibliographical references (page 190).

Book Synopsis

From designer and artist Jason Logan, founder of the Toronto Ink Company--a citizen science experiment to make eco-friendly, urban ink from street-harvested pigments--Make Ink delves into the history of inkmaking and the science of distilling pigment from the natural world.

Foreword by Booker Prize-winning author Michael Ondaatje

"Once you start making ink, the world never quite looks the same." ―Martha Stewart

"In my experience, inkmaking is easiest when you are patient and remain open to everything. Some of the most interesting effects of handmade inkmaking happen when the unexpected happens. Wherever it takes you, the ink you make yourself can only be your own color. Follow your instincts. There is no wrong path."--from the Introduction

Readers will learn how to forage for materials such as soot, rust, cigarette butts, peach pits, and black walnut, then how to mix, test, and transform these ingredients into rich, vibrant inks that are sensitive to both place and environment. Chapters include:

• A Forager's Checklist
• What Is Ink and How Is It Made
• Natural Ink: A Basic Recipe
• Colors and Recipes
• The Ground Rules of Natural Inkmaking
• Testing Ink on Paper
• And more!

Organized by color, with a glossary of terms and a guide to resources, and featuring lovely minimalist photography throughout, Make Ink combines science, art, and craft to instill the basics of ink making and demonstrate the beauty and necessity of engaging with one of humankind's oldest tools of communication.

"Demystifies the process, encouraging experimentation." ―NPR

Review Quotes

"Make Ink opens up about methods, providing an open source guide to DIY ink."--CityLab

"He also has quite a few recipes in his upcoming book, Make Ink: A Forager's Guide to Natural Inkmaking (Abrams Books, September 2018), that use color from the kitchen: carrots, black beans, blueberries, turmeric, and onion skins all make beautiful ink colors."--Design Observer

"In his new book, Make Ink: A Forager's Guide to Natural Inkmaking, Logan demystifies the process, encouraging experimentation and taking a fresh look at urban environments."--NPR

"Logan includes recipe variations for attaining specific colors such as Vine Charcoal, Pokeberry and Silvery Acorn Cap. The final third of the book relaxes into art with examples of Logan's own ink tests as well as work from others who have experimented with his inks, such as Dave Eggers and Margaret Atwood. ("At least one bottle of wild grape ink almost exploded on its way to Stephen King," he writes.) A conversation with author Michael Ondaatje rounds out this exquisite volume."--Top Pick in Lifestyles, Book Page

"Logan's artful test sheets (above) hold their own alongside works by Marcel Dzama, Margaret Atwood, Leanne Shapton and others, all made with his inks."--Wall Street Journal

"Logan's essays about foraging for copper under bridges in Harlem, or scouring for berries at the beach, will make you want to go outside and be a magpie. Maybe ink-making is the new broom-making."--Forbes, Most Giftable Coffee Table Books

"Named a Best Book of 2018."--The Guardian

"Once you start making ink, the world never quite looks the same."--Martha Stewart

"The book is full of inspiration and takes a lot of the mystery out of ink making, at least at its simplest level. And it also reminds me why I love ink -- any ink or liquid color as much as I do."--Well Appointed Desk

"There are loads of craft books so pretty you might happily put them on your coffee table and never do anything more than flip through them admiringly. Others you actually crack open and make things from. As beautifully written as it is photographed and designed, this one begs to be read from cover to cover, like a good essay collection, whether or not you ever attempt to make your own inks..."--Fringe Association

"This book filled with ink recipes, minimalistic photography and lots of inspiration caught our eye immediately. "--Fine Little Day

About the Author

Toronto Ink Company founder Jason Logan is an internationally recognized designer, creative director, author, and artist. His illustrations appear regularly in the New York Times and his fine art has been exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, and the Yukon. His work has been recognized by the AIGA, SPD, the Centre for Social Innovation, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Michael Ondaatje is a celebrated poet, novelist, editor, and filmmaker, best known for his 1992 Booker Prize-winning novel The English Patient.