A book that explores my relationship with imperfect objects, understand why I ignore their flaws and represent their story both, textually and visually.
For my pre-thesis project, we explored the term vernacular beyond spoken language and how it plays into our everyday identity.
I looked into the idea of imperfections in our daily lives.
From intentionally creating a "nazar ka tikaa" (beauty spot) under the earlobe and placing a "nazar battu" in front of the house to ward off the evil eye, to clipping the bill at the grocery store at the exit to signify that items have been tallied, we encounter and embrace imperfections on an everyday basis.
To better grasp the concept, I researched practices and objects associated with imperfections from different cultures around the world. Imperfection is the state of being flawed. In certain cultures, imperfections are used to elevate the value of an object while others accept them in order to extend the object’s lifespan. Some intentionally introduce imperfections to their work to signify something specific.
Alongside, I also looked at the idea of material memory and emotional attachment with personal objects. We tend to assign values to an object based on its functionality, aesthetic, cost and sentimentality. This evaluation is personal and defines our relationship with the object. In certain situations, one value overpowers the others, preventing us from being critical about the object and oblivious to its shortcomings. We often choose to ignore the imperfections of such objects.
I identified 4 personal objects whose imperfections I ignore due to emotional attachment and stories behind this attachment.
• Dolphy, a deflated soft toy
• Kala Dhaga (Black thread) given by Grandmother
• Jaipuri Rajai (Blanket) with stuffing falling out
• Grey t-‐shirt of my brother’s with inkblots
I turned these stories into a illustrated book.
Style of Illustration
While growing up, popular children's comics and books had an illustration style that used strong lines and seemingly realistic proportions figures for animals and human figures.
I enjoyed recreating these illustrations but struggled with the figures, hence started to avoid making them.
For my book, I chose a style which was not intimidating for children. The multi-media style incorporated irregular shapes, simpler figures, paint spillage and inkblot.
Traditionally, book designing requires precision and has a set of principles to make the process efficient and flawless. Since I am using an illustration style which makes space for flaws, book would be an interesting way to bring out the contrast.
Primary Target Audience
- Parents who understand the pressure of being perfect and want their children to accepting and appreciative of their own imperfections from a younger age.
- Children between the ages of 5 to 9, who would enjoy for it’s unconventional style and element of play.
Secondary
- Urban Youth between the ages of 18 to 24, who are living away from home.
The book would remind them of their own beloved personal objects with flaws and through that, urge them to pause, acknowledge, accept and appreciate their own imperfections.
Hope this book reminds you of something or someone,
and brings a smile to your face.
Dolphy the Dolphin
The Black Thread
The Block-printed Blanket
The Grey T-shirt
click below for complete process documentation.