A few months ago, I entered Blurb Photography Book Now without any expectations... And suddenly, 2 weeks ago, I got a call from Eileen from Blurb. At that time I was in Japan for the YAKUZA project, right in the middle of photographing a covert training camp for young recruits. When I explained my potentially slightly precarious situation to her, she understood why I wasn't able to jump up and scream "Yeah!".... ...but we had a great whispery conversation after that :-)
Needless to say, I feel incredibly honored to have won in the Editorial Category, and I'm going to make the most of it to push this project forward as much as I can... Remember the "playing wide" post a while ago... Here's a sneak preview of what I have in store: First and foremost, there'll be an issue of 893 Magazine every 6 months as long as the project goes. That means that in roughly two months time you will be able to buy a new 893 issue... I'm still debating on whether the shape and form should be radically different than the first issue. There are pros and cons to that approach... so I guess I'll keep it as a surprise :-)
Secondly, my brother and I recently got permission to shoot video during the project. This obviously presents a huge opportunity to add depth to this project, and makes producing a documentary feature film suddenly become a possibility. A lot of legwork will be required to pull this one off, especially because photography and video require such a different approach... but I'm working on it. Malik and I are organizing test shoots to see how it will work out, and so we have some raw material to approach production companies for help.
Thirdly, about a month ago, I entered negotiations for an encompassing 893 - Yakuza exhibit as well... I can't disclose too much information just yet, because it's all still in its infancy, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out. My contact is a great guy who is an absolute expert on Asia. In this exhibition I will create an immersive experience with images, video, sound and graphic design/typography... Stay tuned for more info on this one.
Alongside the above, I'm also producing many more things that I hope will be successful in spreading the word. Again, tight lips here for now, but announcements will follow very very soon, like, in a couple of days... --- post scriptum For those who have bought the previous edition of the first issue of 893 Magazine (not available anymore), I have a special treat: as it suddenly became a limited first edition of 89 (with 3 copies for myself, so an edition of 89+3), I'll personally sign and number and send you your copy back, if you send it to me first.
I know it's a bit weird to do it this way, but that's because I couldn't dream of predicting winning Blurb PBN... I'll number according to your wishes, on a simple "first come, first serve" basis (meaning, the book that actually arrives at my home first, by whatever means), with the first 3 numbers being reserved. email me for my home address at anton[at]antonkusters.com, and I will send you detailed instructions immediately. "Send it, make it limited" could be the catch phrase here :-)
Oh. and thank you all dearly for your support....
ever so appreciated.
