Diffusions. Sorbian Cuisine - book design

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Diffusions. Sorbian cuisine.

- graphic design of a culinary book

„Diffusions” are an attempt of materialising the issues of identity and nature of Sorbian culture and it’s inevitable vanishing process. It is a personal project that uses elements from several visual areas that are shaped into the form of a book.

The book is based on culinary recipes from a book called „Slavic mohicans” written by my grandparents - Marta and Władysław Sobeccy. It is a compilation of photographies showing dishes, impressional illustrations inspired by the smell, taste and shape of the dishes and chosen photos and texts presenting elements of Sorbian culture.

I combine Sorbians struggles for independence and national identity with an attempt of protecting my grandparents work from oblivion. I compare the unknown Sorbian culture with abstract illustrations, which are my personal collection of feelings about the process of discovering the heritage of this slavic nation.

Geometrical patterns placed on parchment papers between chapter openings are inspired by Sorbian embroidery. Their transparency fits to the idea of diffusions, covering and revealing.

Culinary photos were taken by me and my brother, Jacek Kędzierski. Warm colours, natural textiles, wood and subtle light create homely and cozy character of the images.

All illustrations were made with watercolours. Every dish has it's own picture - more or less realistic. While creating them I was influenced by emotions and associations connected to the dishes and ingredients. Colour, smell, consistency, taste, shape or preparation process were direct inspirations for the images.