Insomnia
Insomnia
Insomnia is a handcrafted artist's book that transforms the familiar act of turning pages into a journey through the restless
landscape of a sleepless night. Sparse text, quiet symbolism, and restrained imagery unfold gradually, echoing the fragmented
rhythm of thoughts that refuse to settle. Each spread creates a pause, inviting the viewer to linger in moments of silence,
uncertainty, and anticipation.
Constructed with black pages and subtle silver imagery, the book relies on contrast rather than color to establish mood. As light
fades, hidden glow-in-the-dark elements emerge, revealing a pair of watchful eyes that remain open long after the surrounding
world has gone dark. This transformation makes the book itself an active participant in the narrative, rewarding viewers who
experience it under changing conditions.
Designed to be viewed slowly and contemplatively, Insomnia blurs the boundary between reading and reflection. It is both a
physical object and an emotional landscape, inviting viewers to recognize the quiet hours when time stretches, thoughts
deepen, and dawn feels impossibly distant.
Artist Statement
Wide awake in the blackness of night, my mind refuses to surrender. It races through unfinished tasks waiting for tomorrow, replays casual conversations in search of hidden meaning, grieves for those who are no longer here, and wrestles with worries far beyond my control—rising costs, war, violence, uncertainty, and the fragile state of the world. Sleep becomes something to pursue rather than receive.
As the hours pass, the world itself seems to disappear. There is no birdsong to soften the silence, no daylight to interrupt anxious thoughts, only darkness and the steady awareness of time slipping away. My body longs for rest while my mind stubbornly remains awake, searching for a peace it cannot find.
The book itself shares this transformation. In ordinary light it appears restrained, quiet, and almost motionless. But when the lights are extinguished, its glowing eyes suddenly emerge from the darkness, refusing to close. They become a silent witness to the long hours of wakefulness, reminding us that insomnia is experienced most intensely when the rest of the world has fallen asleep.
Insomnia is a meditation on absence—of sleep, of sound, of comfort—and on the hope that eventually follows. As dawn approaches, the first birds begin to sing, darkness recedes, and the mind slowly loosens its grip. Like every night, even the longest one must end. The work ultimately speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the quiet certainty that morning always arrives.
Year: 2025
Medium: Mixed media artist's book
Structure: codex
Materials: Archival papers, mixed media
Dimensions: 4.25” x 2.75” x .75”
Edition: limited to 20
Status: Artist Copy Only Available
