People that know me well understand my deep appreciation of the working-class; laborers from all walks of life, proud of their craft, humble in their ways. I am also known for my curiosity, passion and the elevation of the everyday to something greater. To my good fortune I recently had the opportunity to tour the Denver Postnewspaper printing plant. My tour guides were individuals who’d spent much of their lives in the printing industry. An industry irrevocably changed by technology. Regardless staff at the plant, from the foremen, to the editors, salespeople and pressmen, were gracious and giving, opening their world to me. As if transported back in time, I experienced a process little changed for decades. Plates, ink and paper became newspapers that eventually traveled above me, thru the press room, on the way to the distribution area, the last stop before transport to stores and paper carries, and finally front doors. What to some may have been common, old, and noisy, to me was, well…amazing. From the massive rolls of paper, brought in by train car (inside the plant), to the technology used to move the paper, to the massive machine that sent the paper to the presses, modern day printing plates and folding machines, inquisitiveness and creative energy mixed with nostalgia stayed with me the whole time. I am extremely grateful for this unique opportunity. By: Alisa DiGiacomo
