On that fateful day, the 24th of March 2020, when the first whispers of a lockdown echoed through the streets of London, a shipment of zines arrived at my doorsteps. These zines, bearing the name "Violence Grows", held within their pages a powerful narrative that would captivate the minds of those who dared to delve into their depths.
But the journey of Violence Grows did not end there. The materials needed to bring these zines to life, the boxes, colophon, stickers, and cover labels, arrived just in time. With meticulous care and unwavering dedication, the packages were assembled, ready to conquer the world...
The world had changed though and since it became clear that the Covid will last for a while, I opted for an online launch.
A software architect by trade, I decided to extend my expertise in digital channels into my book publishing hobby...and just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Cultural Traffic Shop was born.
Therefore, I have designed and launched this website (culturaltrafficshop.com) in April 2020. It provided a creative outlet during the time spent in isolation, allowing me to explore new skills and interests.
Since then, I have produced and published another three books, some of them under the name "Cultural Traffic” (Dictator Banknotes 2020, Dictator Postal Stamps 2021, 1973/2000 New Age) and before 2020, the Kraftwerk Dance forever, the two editions (Black & Yellow) I launched as well.
Acquiring banknotes, stamps, rave flyers, dealing with the printing and shipping companies, assemble the books, shipping to wholesalers worldwide were strenuous and frustrating activities at times as I had to learn everything the hard way and do everything on my own. It was like I was 17 again but hiding the pain behind the face mask now.
It was a testament to the human spirit's capacity to not only endure but to transcend, to draw inspiration from the demands of one world and channel it into the creation of another.
Very grateful to all my suppliers for being super supportive and responsive despite the hard times.
Fortunately, it didn't take long for my newfound hobby to evolve into a significant investment of both time and creative energy. With each improvement and addition, the website blossomed, reflecting my commitment to quality and innovation.
In the solitude of pandemic years, a miraculous bond unfolded – a kinship between myself and the books that became my steadfast companions. As the world outside brimmed with uncertainty, these tomes transformed into the best friends that never once let me down.
Nurturing these literary treasures felt like a sacred duty, as if my soul were meticulously crafting a fresh haven to shield these fragile, unspoiled magic stories. Each page whispered secrets, and every cover held the promise of an untold adventure waiting to be unfurled.
To keep the website consistent, I had acquired few other titles and have them made available online, until the Book fairs could take off again.
From my personal production, Dictator Postal Stamps 2021 is probably, the closest to my heart; it is unique and original and trully exceptional; when miniture stamps morph into biographers, chroniclers or even bards of an era, making it a standout among similar endeavors.
(sold at high prices @ printedmatter.org and other sites; fair price £250 @ culturaltrafficshop.com)
While the books have touched my heart and enriched my life in a very special way, not the same applies to their author, Toby Mott.
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