metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is an interactive publication about insects and their folktales from around the world.
[Interactive Publication]
[Type Layout]
[Printing + Binding]
This publication showcases 26 spreads of typography, image making and editing, and beautiful colors. I brought this design to life by incorporating a variety of physical elements: short sheets, vellum, acetate, Japanese rice paper, hand-cut die cuts, and a hand-built slip case. This book was printed, assembled, and bound by me, using a French fold and Japanese stab bind.
Throughout history, dragonflies have been revered as symbols of power and grace. In Japan, they are emblems of strength, courage, and happiness, while many Native American tribes have celebrated them as icons of swiftness and purity. These cultural reverences remind us that dragonflies are not just ancient survivors but also enduring symbols of the natural world's resilience and beauty.
Beetles, due to their vast diversity and ubiquitous presence, have been woven into the folklore, myths, and beliefs of various cultures around the world. Their unique forms, behaviors, and roles in ecosystems have inspired symbolic meanings, spiritual significance, and superstitions. In many cultures, beetles symbolize perseverance, transformation, and renewal.
In various cultures, moths, like butterflies, are seen as symbols of transformation due to their life cycle. However, they are often viewed as more mysterious or even ominous due to their nocturnal habits. Because of their attraction to light and their nighttime activity, moths are sometimes associated with the moon, the night, and, in some cultures, with death or the souls of the dead. In folklore, they may be seen as messengers from the spirit world or as omens.
Cicadas have been symbols of immortality, rebirth, and resurrection in various cultures. In ancient China, cicadas were associated with eternal life and were often used in burial rituals. In some Native American tribes, cicadas were seen as harbingers of change, while in Japanese culture, they are often associated with the fleeting nature of life.
