Bare River Press

Bare River Press is the independent publishing arm of the Great Basin Research Collective: a group of interdependent writers and artists exploring the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of life in the Anthropocene, as experienced on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Our work is an unconventional kind of research for an increasingly unconventional world that faces complex global issues. The work collected in our books functions as both activism and outlet: a method of researching and responding to the conditions of our world.

1. Dilation Diary

A collection of essays and photographs braiding together a vulnerable account of gender confirmation surgery and the ecological framework of wildfires.

For too long, the conversation around gender confirmation surgery has been limited to bawdy jokes and accusatory whispers. Author Finn Epperson-Valum seeks to change that with Dilation Diary, an intimate and revelatory look at what the recovery process for gender confirmation surgery looks like today.

Using the principles of fire ecology, her delicate but fierce writing, and a 35mm camera, Epperson-Valum details what an experience with transgender healthcare looks like in the conservative state of Utah. She guides readers through her recovery journey from stuffy hospital rooms to the ashes of recently burned woodlands, uniting the challenge of personal healing with reflections on forest regrowth.

The book design by Utah-based artist Laurie Larson relies on the awkward and personal nature of the diary concept, creating an intimate and coltish layout. Her design honors the uncomplicated, co-created nature of the project while elevating it to a unique concept-driven art book.

Published and released by Bare River Press, an independent press born in Utah’s Great Basin. Edited by Julia Case.

Format: Paperback / open spine

Publication date: 2026-01-02

Measurements: 5.5 x 7.5 inches

ISBN: 979-8-218-70119-2

2. Driftwind

A collection of essays, photographs, and illustrations exploring the Anthropocene as experienced on the shores of the Great Salt Lake.

Published and released by Bare River Press, an independent press born in Utah’s Great Basin. Edited by Julia Case and Rory Weeks. Designed and illustrated by Laurie Larson.

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: 2023-12-01

Measurements: 7 x 10 inches

ISBN: 979-8-218-28938-6

3. Other

photos: Justis Aderibigbe

Outside of our publication work, our research group takes excursions to areas in the Great Basin, meets regularly to further our collective work, and collaborates on art and short films such as the one to the left.

Laurie Anne Larson

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2026 -27 UMOCA Artist in Residence | Bare River Press