8" x 8" opened.
The book "Ё" narrates the diverse celebrations of the Holiday season across cultures and continents. Through the motif of Christmas trees, I explore variations such as the Ocean tree, Eastern-European tree, futuristic minimalistic tree, a tree shaped from the Cyrillic letter Ё, and even a Google Maps-inspired tree. Each tree symbolizes unique cultural perspectives and beliefs, collectively imbuing the book with a sense of trans-humanity. By uniting these diverse representations within one narrative, "Ё" celebrates the universal spirit of the holidays while highlighting the richness of human diversity and creativity.
Combining pop-up elements with my poetry in Russian and in English, I aim to stress the global feeling of joy and wonder during the Holiday season. The dynamic pop-ups leap from the pages, enhancing the festive atmosphere and creating a visual spectacle that resonates across cultures. Through carefully crafted verses in two languages, I strive to evoke emotions that transcend linguistic boundaries, celebrating the shared experience of warmth, love, and togetherness during this special time of year.
Working on this book, I initially sketched all the elements on paper. Next, I transitioned to Illustrator to refine and prepare the files for the laser cutter. After printing and cutting all the pages with the laser cutter, I assembled them into a round carousel book, which doubles as a Christmas tree decoration.
I enjoy using paper engineering for the pop-up elements in my books. It introduces an element of surprise that captivates the reader's imagination. Paper engineering transforms the conventional 2D pages into a mesmerizing 3D realm. This approach also invites tactile exploration, encouraging a deeper engagement with the content. Paper engineering transcends the boundaries of traditional book design, offering a novel way to interact with art and literature.
The book "Ё" unfolds into a multifaceted sphere, designed to hang from a support or as an ornament on a Christmas tree. Its versatile design allows it to be displayed upright or laid while being open on the side, offering different perspectives and interactions with its intricate pop-up elements.
When suspended from the tree, the interplay of lights casts enchanting shadows that dance around the room, accentuating the dynamic shapes and forms within the book. This interaction transforms the holiday ambiance, blending traditional festive decorations with modern artistic expression. Whether admired as a centerpiece or admired from various angles, the faceted sphere enhances the holiday experience, inviting viewers to appreciate its craftsmanship and unique visual effects.
