Sandy Tilcock, Proprietor

From childhood, Sandy has been enchanted and inspired by the physical presence of books. She loved to read, but was also drawn to the weight and feel of books, their symmetry and order. It is this enchantment that led her to establish lone goose press. Over the past quarter century, her work has been recognized for its imaginative designs and impeccable craftsmanship. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alabama, where she studied printing, typography, and letterpress printing with noted printer and teacher Richard-Gabriel Rummonds. She was Founding Director of Knight Library Press at the University of Oregon, serving in that position for seven years.

Sandy has always had a passion for freedom. On long summer evenings as a child, she treasured the ability to get on her bicycle and ride to the outskirts of town, exploring the edges of her world, delighting in the play of possibilities, returning at nightfall full of dreams. To this day she most loves the inviting warmth and expansiveness of that time of year. To her friends who prefer the cooler months, she makes no apology for her midsummer affinity: “What can I say? I’m a tomato!”

The play of possibilities led Sandy to explore several pathways. As a mathematics major in college, she developed a disciplined, analytical approach to problems as well as an appreciation for what mathematicians call “the elegant solution.” A love of nature led her to photography back in the days when this craft inevitably meant contriving a darkroom and becoming intimate with chemical trays and timers. She was captivated by the sense of revelation in the play of light on surfaces. Over the years she became a passionate gardener. In that domain, she tends to shun regimentation—she is the gentle advocate of chaos, delighting in the wild and unexpected.

Beyond her backyard, Sandy has long been an environmental advocate, devoted to preserving and protecting wild lands and waters. lone goose press derives its name from a passage in Aldo Leopold’s Sand County Almanac. Leopold’s curious observation of the occasional solitary Canada Goose during the spring migration resonated with her sense of sudden isolation starting a one-person enterprise after leaving the collegial support of the graduate program at Alabama.

Sandy is devoted to her dogs, current census three. They would describe her as loving, generous, and attentive, though they would probably agree that she works too hard.

Sandy remains an avid bicyclist to this day.

In her work as in her life, Sandy values not just the elegant solution, but peace, harmony, and understanding. She still seeks to venture to the outskirts in visual and verbal expression, nurturing an endless supply of dreams.

Joining Sandy in the studio are Patrick, Rafi and Chinai.

Patrick, Sandy’s partner for more than 50 years, has been actively engaged in the work of lone goose press since its beginning. After a career in community mental health, Patrick is devoting more time to the precarious craft of poetry and learning to play the mandolin. He continues to provide logistical support, wielding drills, saws, and hammers when needed, as well as editorial support.

From the start, canine assistants have been an indispensable part of the daily work of lone goose press. They offer a spirited announcement and warm greeting whenever guests arrive. They are always a calming, supportive presence, and no matter how challenging the work may be, they provide reminders to take breaks, relax, and play.

Sadly, there is a growing number of canine companions that have witnessed the growth and work of lone goose press over the years, whom we must honor in memoriam:

Granger (1972-1985), Irving (1973-1987), Jennifer (1984-1997), Lucy (1987-1997), Ursula (1996-2006), Amy (1997-2010), Sadie (2003-2015), Rosie (2006-2020), Samantha (2013-2024), Cali (2016-2024).