Encounters
Book object, zine, letterpress print, 2017-2018
"Folklore, myth, popular culture - the encounter between fauna and man sometimes results in all sorts of interesting beliefs. Some are amusing, others rather cruel and unfair."
The project started with a letterpress workshop where I looked into the idea of illustrating Romanian proverbs and sayings about the wildlife. The image below builds the shape of a dragon, which, according to our folklore, is the evolution of a snake who has not been seen for more than seven years.
The project was therefore illustrated through the shape of a zine, wherein I collected more text about the animals that live close to human settlements. Made with screen printing technique and spray paint on kraft paper, the zine folds in eight rectangles and has both sides illustrated, one being comprised of a poster and one of text.
Finally I took the idea forward and rethought the whole design to adapt for a handmade book. I used a variation of Japanese binding, digital print and also used some of the previous screen prints to add through its pages.
Hopefully I will be able to take this project forward and publish the book, raising awareness of the surrounding fauna and promoting Romanian folklore at the same time.
