Jaime Robles is an artist and writer whose work spans across poetry, book arts, and visual arts. She has a rich history in the literary and art community, having been involved with various projects including the establishment of Five Trees Press, a collaborative small press that explored the integration of art and literature. Her career reflects a commitment to blending visual and verbal languages, producing works that are both visually engaging and literarily profound.
Robles’ contributions to the literary world include several publications and bookworks that often feature her unique artistic flair. Her approach often involves a deep engagement with the physical aspects of bookmaking, from design to printing, bringing a tactile dimension to her poetic expressions. This engagement with the physical medium extends to her installations and art objects, which have been exhibited in various venues.
Five Trees Press
Five Trees Press, a seminal small press active that ran from 1973 to 1978, was born from the creative synergy of Jaime Robles and her colleagues during a collaborative workshop. This press marked the beginning of Robles’ journey as an artist and was instrumental in defining her artistic identity. The collective, including Cheryl Miller and Kathy Walkup, focused on exploring the intersections of printed art and literature. Five Trees Press produced several notable works that showcased a variety of poetic and artistic expressions, reflecting the dynamic and diverse spirit of the time. This press was not just a publishing house but a space for artistic exploration and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on those involved and the broader literary and artistic communities.
On Her Most Memorable Project
Well, there was no one project that was most memorable. I suppose, for me, Eva Awakening, because it was the first book that I made in its entirety. But the Denise Levertov book, Modulations for Solo Voice, was probably the most significant. I’m not even sure that the poetry in that book was ever published elsewhere. It was something she wanted published privately and in a limited edition. It was a series of love poems to a man she had had an affair with outside her marriage. There was a lot emotion around it. Surely by now, it’s been republished.
