about
“You’re a writer! You know, I’ve written 500 poems. They’re all in bags. Somewhere. Oh, darling, I’ve been through the most horrible things in the world. But you can’t tell Americans that. They’re used to lots of money and everything being great. And in America you’re not supposed to live with your parents. But I don’t know. I loved Mother.”
press mentions
testimonials
“Katie will take your business card, invitation or art project to the next level. I’ve worked with her in all these capacities and couldn’t recommend her more! She’s a perfectionist when it comes to the technical aspects of printing and has all the knowledge and experience it requires, but with the rare added gift of being an artist. She has the creative soul of a poet and an excellent skill with design to boot. We’ve got a world-class printer here in our little town.”
“First worked with Katie in 2015 and haven’t used another print shop since for my higher quality projects. Very knowledgable in design and able to bring out the best elements in a print job. She can print both commercial and creative projects-I’ve printed quite a few art and poetry books with her. Highly recommend.”
“Katie is an absolute joy to work with! Her prints are creative, meticulous and really speak for themselves. I’ve worked alongside Katie in the wedding industry for years, watching her produce gorgeous letterpress printed invites, business cards and much more. She’s professional, responsive and a woman-owned business I’m proud to support. Love Folding Bones Press!”
first and foremost, katie marie nealon is a poet and artist, despite what her imposter syndrome tells her. she has been printing and making books since 2009, was a studio printer, board member, and the president of the north bay letterpress arts nonprofit organization from 2015 to 2020, and currently works as a printer and educator out of sebastopol, california.
magic in the making.
katie discovered bookmaking in 2001, printing in 2009, and couldn’t tell you the year she wrote her first poem. since 2010 she has been fortunate enough to receive training and mentorship from esteemed california poets, expert commercial printers, and astounding local artists.
after her mother’s passing, it was revealed that her great grandfather and grandfather had owned and operated a typesetting shop in san francisco from the 1930s to the 1970s. and so, what began as a curious inkling to self publish her poems has turned out to be a revitalization of a family craft almost lost. katie recognizes this as magic.
self publishing is power.
katie is a published poet and pushcart prize nominee, but no longer “writes.” she composes.
her seed pack poems, an ongoing project in collaboration with david healy, were “written” by choosing a fruit, vegetable, or flora to focus on, setting a time limit (often 25-30 minutes), and composing a poem with lead type — letter by letter, word by word — on the spot.
some of her favorite poets to read again and again are: pam rehm, robert creeley, mary oliver, noah eli gordon, & the spam bots in blog comment sections.
keeping the craft alive.
a spring 2010 internship at 826 valencia in san francisco is responsible for katie’s interest in working in educational settings. at 826, she helped kids and teenagers write their own short stories and poetry, edit with care and consideration, create collaborative chapbooks, and share their work with the world through celebratory readings.
letterpress workshops and demonstrations have taken place at north bay letterpress arts, the schulz museum, the bay area maker faire, and other events.