Look out for a new coffee table book launching this summer that takes a unique view of Hillcrest. Published by En Ville Publishing, Hillcrest 92103 focuses on the people, artists, businesses and special things that make this colorful community tick. The brainchild of publisher Olivier Dalle, Hillcrest 92103 showcases its namesake in a way that makes you proud to live in this very special neighborhood. Written by Kelly Metz-Matthews and illustrated with photographs by Thomas Graff this is not a welcome to Hillcrest tourist book; this is an intense examination of all the things that make this vibrant area buzz. The book features 37 stories on Hillcrest residents, public places and local artists, all accompanied by original photography. Together they invite the reader to follow a winding road that, step by step, encapsulates the neighborhood.
Hillcrest 92103 encompasses the businesses, people, artists and the community bringing them all to life in words and pictures in a unique and original way. This book is a must-have for all who live in the area and uncovers the real Hillcrest in all its creative glory.
“It’s a set of experiential stories essentially on Hillcrest; its businesses; interesting oddities and the people that really give it color and charm. The things that really make it special,” Metz-Matthews told San Diego 6 TVs San Diego Living.
Thomas Graff, who photographed the images in the book said, “Our intention was to showcase the community through the well-written pages of a coffee table book with vibrant images – images that are unique and represent the area in a different way and give a more ‘authentic’ view of what it feels like to live and play in Hillcrest.”
“The book really wants to take the reader inside of Hillcrest,” adds Metz-Matthews.
Originally from Illinois, Graff met Olivier Dalle soon after moving to San Diego. Dalle brought him on as the photographer for the project and introduced him to Metz-Matthews.
“We both took on the project for similar reasons,” says Graff. “We are both very passionate about our craft and saw this book as an opportunity to create something that we had a lot of freedom with in terms of our creativity and also work with wonderful people. Olivier Dalle is much of an artist himself, so he gave us the liberty to be ourselves and work intuitively and independently. All three of us love what we do and just came together, and work together quite well.”
The book is the second in a series published by En Ville Publishing that showcases unique neighborhoods in and around Southern California. La Jolla was featured in the first book and books about Tijuana and North Park are being planned, with different authors and photographers.
Hillcrest 92103 will be available through local bookstores and sponsors. For more information visit envillepublishing.com.
