The Aviatrix Postage Project, 2023. Perfect bound and digitally printed with support from Curious Publishing’s Queer/BIPOC Publishing Fund. Edition of 50.

Aviatrix Press has been the moniker for my book arts practice since about 2018. I have created pieces about my personal connection to an aviatrix in my family and a fictionalized interpretation of an aviatrix but I wanted to delve into the history of women in aviation. My resulting research project became a two-part series of illustrated biographies on American women who were early pioneers in the field of aviation.

Part one focuses on eight female pilots who have been honored for their achievements on USPS stamps or first day of issue envelopes. This section includes aviatrices like Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman who are still very famous. Part two covers 26 other women (mostly WOC) who have not received the same level of recognition but nonetheless overcame significant obstacles to become accomplished pilots.

The book contains brief biographical essays, timelines and portraits for each woman featured along with a few photographs of postal ephemera from my personal collection.