Out of Nothing
Ashlyn Wong
Overview
Out of Nothing is an interactive artists’ book and installation that visualizes themes found in Genesis 1:1-2:3, the biblical story of creation.
Research Space
Through my own journey in understanding Genesis, I was fascinated with what I was learning and was surprised by how relevant it is to me in my everyday life. As a foundational narrative that not only sets up the rest of the bible but also offers answers to what it means to be human, there are so many layers to consider.
To illustrate these layers and its significance to understanding the depth of this story, I created an onion illustration where each layer shows a different reading of the text and how each layer contributes to the whole.
If we were to unpack a few layers, the first and outermost layer would just be solely reading the text for the narrative that it is telling.
Going onto the next layer, taking into consideration that the genre of the text is poetry. That changes the approach entirely—the tone of the text is meant to be read in an artistic manner, not a scientific report.
Thinking about the significance of the order of the days, we can see that there is a clearly defined pattern that all takes place.
In day 1-3, God orders the world, and from day 4-6, God fills it. The intentionality is thoughtful and precise, and the idea of moving from chaos to order has further significance even today!
This is just a brief example of the layers, there is so much more to this story.
Direction & Making Process
The approach I took to the artist’s book was simple—to explore the text through my own making that expresses my understanding and admiration for Genesis 1:1-2:3. As a designer, illustrator and printmaker, I combined all of those areas to create an interactive experience in the form of a handmade book, with each page designed purposefully and grounded in research.
Final
Papermaking
As a part of this project, I made my own paper! Using a paper lithography process, I printed my handwritten research notes onto the handmade paper. There is so much beauty in the papermaking and printmaking process, layers of fingerprints in the work that tells a story in itself—something that could never be conveyed through a digitally printed image.
In terms of Genesis 1:1-2:3 itself, I love the idea that the handwritten notes are a bit hard to read, because after all, they are notes from various interpretations and understanding of the creation story. In a way, the notes are a whole representation of my journey and understanding, and it culminates (at this stage) through a visual expression in the form of a handmade book. To me, this personal aspect seems be very effective to be shown through hand lettered notes on handmade paper.
