A fantastic small piece of collectible California art by Frank Lobdell, print 21 of 50, in the original matte black frame with edition record document on back.

10.9.96 was hand-printed by David Kelso at made in California from one copper plate executed by the artist as a hardground etching with sugarlift and spit-bite aquatint. The plate was inked in a 14:7:1 mixture of Graphic Chemical 514 black, China clay and Lefranc & Bourgeois Orient blue.

Each impression is numbered, titled, signed, and dated in pencil by the artist, and bears the embossed chip mark of made in California in the lower right corner. Release date: January 19, 1997

Image size: h5” x w3 7/8”

Paper size: h12-1/2” x w11-1/2”

I bought this print from Howard Junker, Founding Editor of the San Francisco based literary journal ZYZZYVA, in 2006; proceeds went to the journal. Mr. Junker loved small works of California art like this one and featured them in the journal; 10.9.96 was the cover art for ZYZZYVA XIII, No. 1 (Spring 1997), which was why I bought it. My first published story, “Living on Holy Ground,” appeared therein.

I paid $300 for the print, money that was not in our budget back in 2006, but I bought it (an outrageous act) to remind myself not to stop writing. Howard delivered it himself and arrived flustered by a freak hailstorm on the Golden Gate Bridge. I welcomed him into our tear-down, fixxer-upper house with a hole in the entryway wall, a baby on my hip and toddler clinging to my leg. He didn’t stay long.

I agree with Howard; pieces like this are a wonderful part of California history. If I was fitting out a chic Napa hotel, restaurant, or vineyard home, I would cover the walls with subtle and enigmatic prints by California artists. The etching has sentimental value to me, but I no longer need the reminder to write, and as we downsize our lives, I’m happy to share. —Jennifer

Welcome to the KNA Krush Pad, a carefully curated spaced featuring “crushable” objects of beauty and utility meant to evoke the Wine Country lifestyle. Prices include shipping. No returns or exchanges, so please choose carefully. Email Jennifer with questions: Jennifer@knawines.com.