The Coffee Plant

During your next visit to the shop, you may notice that we have two new pieces of artwork over the condiment bar. Last October, friend and illustrator Chris Turnham visited us from Los Angeles. Chris has had a long production art career in games and film, with his most recent notable role being an illustrator on the feature film “Coraline.”

We really enjoy Chris’s approach to nature and landscape studies which draw inspiration from classic midcentury design. Together, we discussed ideas for celebrating coffee through art, and Chris took notes on the colors and feel of Milstead and Co. Over the next few months, he worked on a botanical study of the Coffee Plant. We worked together reviewing drafts and color samples until we settled on the final artwork.

Once we were both happy with the results, Chris went to work constructing the silk screens and mixing ink. Each color is hand applied on each print in separate passes, with drying time between the application of each ink. Each print has five layers of color applied to make the final image. Because of the handmade, unpredictable nature of the medium, the number of final prints is a surprise. We were happy that Chris was able to make 20 of the print showing the stages of coffee and 15 of the branch for this one-time-only print run.

When you are in the neighborhood, come down and take a look at these beautiful 18×24” prints in person. We are happy to make the remaining prints available for purchase for our friends and customers. Please inquire at the register. For our friends out of town, you can purchase them online by following the link found below in this post.