Description:

‘Index of Breath’ responds to the ISTD brief ‘Putting Things In Order,’ which asked participants to explore lesser-known methods and obscure ways people have organised things. Breathing is a crucial component in our lives, not just for meditation practices but is a fundamental process that determines our overall health and well-being; yet, we take it for granted. Breath is an unconscious sequence of movements we perform 25,000 times a day. A performance that has resulted in humans’ inability to breathe correctly, with grave consequences. The publication is a conceptual visualisation of James Nestor’s novel Breath. A novel that explores the lost art behind our most basic biological function.

The book is designed with a minimalistic, translucent cover, which wraps around the publication and folds out into a poster. Bound using a Coptic stitch, reminiscent of traditional bookbinding practices, was inspired by the diverse knowledge concerning breathing techniques worldwide. I have chosen royal blue as the primary colour throughout my publication to represent the richness of breath. The blue is used in both type and mono-printed mediums to illustrate the fluid, interconnected sections of the publication.

The publication is bursting with scientific terminology; therefore, an index was implemented to contrast the formal and informal publication layout. Thus, making it an enjoyable, educational read. I felt mono-printing was a suitable medium to incorporate as the prints I have generated mirror the form of lungs, blood vessels and air particles, allowing me to create engaging artistic representations of breath.

To visualise the vast range of information, I separated the text into chapters that conceptually characterised each stage of the process of Breath; partnered with a visual key. These eight chapters allowed me to introduce and integrate my imagery, allowing creative freedom to explore and engage experimentally with grid layouts and collage. The publication draws heavily on both scientific and artistic representations of breath, with a core focus on the human form. ‘Index of Breath’ challenges conventional wisdom, ensuring you never breathe the same way again.