 – Although I cannot begin to count the countless projects Carl Core (August 13, 1942 – August 9, 2018) brought to life through his skill and dedication,…){kind=link}
At Aero Printing, where Carl’s presses hummed tirelessly, over 5,000 pages were produced—not just for the journal but for many other projects. Though I may not have always been the most reliable partner in his enterprise, whenever the editions of AAPJ grew from 75 to over 175 pages, requiring larger presses and more complex production, Carl directed me to partners better suited for the job—yet, I knew without doubt that Aero Printing’s equipment was the first to bring each edition into the world.
Carl’s journey began in Delphos, Ohio, where he graduated third in his class from Jefferson High School in 1960. I often teased him about those technical conversations we shared—sometimes joking that when we discussed impossible tasks, I’d quip, “I didn’t realize there were only four in your graduating class.” I still see his cheeks flush rosy when I recall those moments, and my own smile remains wide whenever I think of it.
His true passion was evident: producing high-quality printed products for over three decades. With his deep understanding of the printing craft—an art he loved and mastered—Carl often said he never felt like he worked a day in his life; he enjoyed every minute of it. His dedication was more than a profession; it was his artful life.
Beyond his work, Carl was a man of humor and heart. He had a dry wit that I appreciated, but beneath that was a soft spot—especially for furry, four-legged friends. We shared a mutual love for animals, often supporting charities without hesitation. His life also included passions outside the printing press: watching NHRA drag racing, attending classic car shows, traveling, and immersing himself in the vibrant music of the 1960s. When my own thoughts raced, I’d ask, “What’s it all about, Alfie?” and Carl would reply, “About time. Now, listen.”
As the years went on, Aero Printing evolved from a primarily print-focused business to embracing the digital age. While it moved online, preserving much of its content in digital formats, the foundation of printed work remained strong. Unbeknownst to me, Carl was battling a two-year fight with brain cancer—a quiet struggle I only recently learned of.
Today, Aero Printing’s legacy endures, with some I consider to be of Carl’s original family members, such as Laura Basinger who is the Creative Director that is still involved. To honor his memory, I was proud to dedicate the inaugural issue of the Art-to-Art Palette Journal, Vol 1, No 1, Winter, which was distributed both digitally and in print—primarily in his name: Carl W. Core II (1942–2018). Here are a few of the Master Printer’s reproductions: https://online.fliphtml5.com/ahnrt/yqhg/#google_vignette – https://fliphtml5.com/ahnrt/fvus/2007-08_Fall-Winter_Vol_20_No_2-Art-to-Art_Palette_Journal/41/ – 2019 Vol 1 No 1 – https://fliphtml5.com/ahnrt/fvus/2007-08_Fall-Winter_Vol_20_No_2-Art-to-Art_Palette_Journal/41/
In closing, I find solace in three quotes that resonate with Carl’s life and spirit:
Joseph Conrad (1857–1924), the Polish-born British writer and explorer, once said, “I don’t like work, no man does, but I like what is in work—the chance to find yourself. Your own reality, for yourself, not for others, what no other man can ever know.”
Joseph Addison (1672–1719), English essayist and poet, remarked, “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for,” words that echo the purpose and passion Carl dedicated his life to.
And Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965), the theologian and humanitarian, reflected, “One other thing stirs me when I look back at my youthful days—the fact that so many people gave me something or were something to me without knowing it.”
Carl Core’s legacy is a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and kindness—a true artist behind the pixels and prints, whose impact endures beyond the press.
Community Profile series by Ben Rayman
