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We’re incredibly excited to work on our actual book project: “The Middle of Somewhere” with Sam Harris. We’re pumped to be collaborating with such a fantastic and inspiring photographer, and to shape his beautiful work into a book.

The book can be pre-ordered HERE!

 

In September 2014 we published Father Figure by photographer Zun Lee. There was a successful launch at the Bronx Documentary Center and the book was shortlisted in the 2014 Paris Photo - Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards.

Copies are available for purchase at the ceiba store.

Here are some words people said:

“The stigma of the absentee father has for decades haunted black men, discouraging some while compelling others to challenge stereotypes by overcompensating for them. As the writer Trymaine Lee noted in the postscript to ‘Father Figure,’ the intimacy and trust afforded Mr. Lee by his subjects allowed him to strip away ‘the mask that so many black men wear to shield any sense of vulnerability from the world, a buffer between them and a society that has so often used them as a source of villainy and caricature.’” ~ Maurice Berger for The New York Times

“It’s obvious but it’s also essential. These are pretty much universal feelings that all fathers (and mothers for that matter) go through. But it’s that obviousness that makes these sentiments so essential, because (from a distance - I’m not black and I live in the UK) they are so rarely expressed in such a direct manner.” ~ Colin Pantall

While the design and production are rudimentary in nature, “it is in no way sentimental or romanticized, a well-photographed slice of American life. I don’t think I have ever seen a book quite like it.” ~ Anne Wilkes Tucker

 

What’s next?

 

We love photography, books, and art, and plan to make more. Have a cool project to share? Send it our way! We’re open to collaboration and creative fun. Stay tuned!

Check back for more details on what we’ll be working on next, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.

 

It all started with…

 

← a dummy.

 

Collaborating with David Alan Harvey and his team, we developed the concept for and produced his limited edition book and magazine (based on a true story), published through BurnBooks.

The very first dummy was made by us at home in Italy, using basic materials and a head full of ideas.

The one little baby dummy turned into much, much more (see below).

 

 

We love the book and others do too! #humblebrag

Here is some attention the book got:

• BurnBooks won the 2012 Lucie Award for (based on a true story)

• Listed as one of the top 10 photo books of the year by Paris Photo-Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards in 2012

• Nominated for the Kassel Photo Book Award 2013

• Won POYi’s Best Photography Book Award 2013

• Listed as one of the Best Books of 2012 by The New Yorker.

… and here are some words people said:

“(based on a true story) set a new standard for the photo book. Extraordinary photography and book design.” ~ Teju Cole for The New Yorker

“(based on a true story) seems to be a random machine gun attack of a book, but it’s not. It’s held together by carefully (and very cleverly) calculated clues. External elements such as the postcard of clues and the ‘map’ (it’s a visual map – I found it in the end) of the book point you in one direction…you get a raucous, dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable ride around the hillsides of Rio de Janeiro, in a book where the text, design and layout is incisive, innovative and fun.” ~ Colin Pantall for photo-eye

“(based on a true story) takes its place as one of the best of the more extravagantly designed photobooks at a time when extravagant design is making a comeback.” ~ Martin Parr and Gerry Badger in The Photobook: A History Vol. 3

and now…

 

Our work on (based on a true story) was an invaluable experience that deepened our passion for books and sparked the creation of our own publishing company. The seed was planted, and ceiba was born!

 

(pictures © Thomas Bregulla)