Jeffrey Morin’s book work is profoundly shaped by a lifelong engagement with his Catholic upbringing, his identity as a gay man, and his training with influential artists such as Walter Hamady. His artist books merge spiritual and social themes with rigorous craftsmanship, resulting in tactile, multi-sensory objects that transcend traditional book forms.
Morin’s Catholic background deeply informs his exploration of ritual, grace, and embodiment, often rendering the human figure as a spiritual vessel. His art reflects ritualistic and devotional aspects of faith, combining reverence with a contemporary sensibility. For instance, works like 14 Stations recount spiritual narratives (traditionally Catholic) while addressing modern issues such as AIDS, creating a bridge between religious tradition and queer experience. This intersection highlights vulnerability, stigma, and grace in the context of both Christianity and LGBTQ+ identity.
Technically, Morin’s work is grounded in letterpress printing, papermaking, printmaking, and sculptural book forms. His training with Walter Hamady at the University of Wisconsin-Madison profoundly influenced Morin’s approach, especially in demonstrating the potential of materiality and narrative in book arts. Under Hamady’s mentorship, Morin embraced experimental printmaking and the integration of physical process with meaningful content, developing labor-intensive, handcrafted artist books that incorporate elements like reduction linoleum prints, overprinting letterforms, handmade papers, and sculptural bindings with materials such as copper rods and brass.
Morin’s books often evoke traditional religious artifacts while simultaneously engaging with social justice issues relevant to the gay community, such as the AIDS crisis. His work uses the book as a medium to reclaim and reinterpret cultural and religious symbols, merging personal and communal histories in a dialogue that brings contemporary relevance to historical and spiritual themes.
In sum, Jeffrey Morin at sailorBOYpress produces artist books that are informed by his Catholic roots, enriched by his queer identity, and elevated through his training with Walter Hamady. His books are devotional, participatory, and transformative objects that intertwine spirituality, history, craftsmanship, and social commentary to offer a profound embodied experience of faith and identity.
Books are available for direct purchase. A standing order arrangement is offered as well. Unpriced books may be available through our archive on special request.
Singing for Our Lives -- Based on multiple killings of gay men, written by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50. 2023. $300
A Murder of Crows or The Defense of Marriage and Other Things - A fable on the nature of marriage equity written by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50. 2014-2018. $495
The White Maiden Male - A recreation of the life of Rudolph Brazda, who was perhaps the last person alive to have worn the pink triangle as a concentration camp detainee, with text by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50 with one artist proof. 2012-2013. $900
Crossing the Tigris - A three volume collaboration between Brian Borchardt, Caren Heft and Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 60. 2011. $2100
14 Stations - A contemporary interpretation of the Stations of the Cross with text by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 45 with one erratum-numbered proof. 2008. $1500
My Darling, My Reason - A photo album of sorts with text from letters home of a WWII sailor and his thoughts provided by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 48 with 2 artist proofs. 2006. $750
Martyr, Mercury, & Rooster - A three volume collaboration between Caren Heft and Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50 with 2 artist proofs. 2005. $2250
Sacred Space - A collaboration between Jeffrey Morin and Steven Ferlauto and in an edition of 35. 2003.
Two Months - Text from the account of life as the civil war prisoner, Horace Smith, and in an edition of 31. 2002. $700
The Twelve Articles - Text adapted byJeffrey Morin (based on the articles of accusation against Joan of Arc) and in an edition of 40. 2001. $1000
The Sacred Abecedarium - A collaboration between Jeffrey Morin and Steven Ferlauto and in an edition of 25 (plus 5 dedicated proofs). 1999. $1000
Body Dance - A collaboration between Jeffrey Morin and Catharine Vaucher and in an edition of 25. 1998. $300
T-Pallidum - A visual collaboration between Jeffrey Morin and Ron Buffington andin an edition of 45. 1996. $300
The Jester's Shadow - Text by Lester Raymer and in an edition of 50. 1995. $275
Cloister - Text by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50. 1993. $250
Saint Sebastian - Text adapted by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 50. 1990. $450
Figure This - Text by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 200. 1989.
Two Tribes - Text by Steven Ferlauto and Grant McGuire and in an edition of 50. 1988.
Words to my Brother Theo - Text by Vincent van Gogh and in an edition of 25. 1986.
The Priest and the Acolyte - Text by Oscar Wilde and in an edition of 25. 1986.
Dear Mr. Clifford - Text by Henri Matisse and in an edition of 25. 1985. $250
For the Moment - Text by Jeffrey Morin and in an edition of 25. 1983.
Books from Brian Borchardt, Seven Hills Press
Beyond the Great Stone, $350
The Intrepid Ones, $250
bold strokes, $185
Essay, $375
Types of Beauty, $375
Word Play, $295