Liminal Space

An experimental book of local urban legends

Introduction

My fascination with folklore and ghost stories dates back to my childhood, which I spent in a house that was over 200 years old and teeming with its own tales. Some of the stories I grew up around have captivated me so much that I felt compelled to delve deeper into them and transform them into an experimental book. I believe that it’s important to preserve oral traditions and capture them in a way that will ensure they are not lost to time. With this in mind, I set out to compile a few of my favorite legends into a record.

I titled my book ‘Liminal Space’ because the term refers to the space between worlds or an eerie, in-between place like a creepy hallway. This felt appropriate as my book delves into ghosts and urban legends.

Research

To gather the urban legends, I started by revisiting the sites mentioned in these tales and conducting my own investigations. I captured the essence of these locations with my camera, seeking to understand the stories better. I also reached out to friends who grew up in the same area, seeking their insights and any stories they may have heard.

Execution

Once I had all the research materials and the vision for the style, I began working on the book. I forced my friends and family to pose for the camera, setting up scenes in my apartment, and worked on editing the photos in Photoshop. I paid close attention to the details in each image, ensuring that they captured the essence of the story they represented. When I was happy with the outcome, I proceeded to the printing and binding process. After folding and trimming the spreads to the desired size, I used artist’s tack to bind the pages together.

Stylistic Choices

To infuse a sense of drama into my work, I chose to utilize black and white photography with high contrast, complemented by expressive typography. My intention was to elicit an eerie atmosphere that was both visually striking and unexpected. I carefully considered the emotions that each story evoked within me, and envisioned corresponding visuals. I incorporated die cuts to introduce an element of surprise and experiment with the concept of ‘space.’ Additionally, I crafted a slipcover from black mat board, featuring laser-cut letters arranged in an abstract formation spelling out ‘Liminal Space.’ Finally, I utilized vellum to heighten the ghostly ambiance and included my own ink and pen illustrations.

Conclusion

Through this experimental book, I had the opportunity to explore new methods of arranging typography and creating captivating visuals. I enjoyed indulging in my passion for photography and acquiring knowledge about the printing and binding process involved in book creation. Furthermore, I was able to document urban legends and preserve them for future generations. By combining my fascination with folklore and ghost stories with my artistic vision, I created a unique piece of work that tells the tales of my childhood and the area in which I grew up.