Throughout the journey with my father, I documented the experience as a caregiver and posted a daily journal and photograph on Instagram under the name farewell_father. I feel that not much information is given to caretakers as they undertake such a heart wrenching and difficult experience. I aim to illuminate the process of loss, from grief through cremation, by providing a matter of fact and inside perspective on what happens to the body after it expires. This Instagram journal was transformed into an artist book that is bound with red thread, a symbol of connection back to those we’ve lost. The cover of the book is handmade paper crafted from abaca and flax fibers, ashes, and clothing samples, creating a semi-translucent, almost skin-like texture.
farewell_father, handmade artist book from 47 Instagram journal entries, 2021