This travel diary is a compilation of writings and materials I made and found during my first trip to Japan, in which I stayed for 10 nights from the end of January through the beginning of February. The book contains photos and my handwritten journal entries and poems from that time. Most of the photographs I printed as postcards at 7-11 locations in Japan. Made as I was traveling, it is a mutant configuration of binding and mark-making methods that together act as a personal archive.​​​​​​​
hardcover with a recessed snake motif
some postcards and other printed material affixed with washi tape
entry from the first day of the trip, during which I traveled from Providence to Boston to LAX
photo from my lodging in Kyoto and materials on biking there
a found stamp and a pen drawing of a monkey
photo from Mt. Ogura
tickets from two temples, marbled paper
packaging from a stationery store, found silk thread, handmade paper
2025
Processes and materials in this book include paper (both found and handmade); collage; bookbinding; paper marbling; photography; screenshot text conversations; found printed literature including maps, tickets, menus, and omikuji; found and made envelopes, found packaging; found ceramic, glass, and embroidered charms; sewing (cotton, silk, and waxed linen threads); muslin; block printing; washi tape; sketching with pen, pencil, and marker; research; poetry; and journaling.
Many thanks to Ivana Primero, who moved to Kyoto to study Japanese and invited me to visit.
One week after I returned to the US, this book was on exhibition at East Manning Projects for their group show The Hot Toddy.
NFS​​​​​