Repetition

In the process of re-making the book, I realised repetition expands to something new, and opens up to more opportunities. 

When I was producing additional copies in the Netherlands, I began to question the meaning behind the printing methods I adopted. In Japan, it held a significant meaning to print at a certain place. In a new country, the circumstances are different. Back then, I had an income and was under a time constraint, now I have to take actions in an economical way as a student. While printing and reflecting, the quiet printmaker curiously flipped through my book, ‘Can I have a copy?’ ‘Make a second edition with the Riso inkjet printer here!’ She insisted and immediately calculated the production cost for me, which led to the second edition.

For the original edition, the bookbinder guided me through the whole process. In re-making in another country, I discovered different methods on how a book is formed. For the first few copies of the second edition, I felt safer when a professional stood beside me while I cut the edges of the book – the final step – if I make a mistake, all previous efforts vanish in a mere second. Now, I am capable of thinking and working independently from the beginning to end, and making conscious decisions for each process. Repetition led to reflection, improvement, and simplifying procedures.

When I took the finished second edition to an experienced book designer who studied with graphic designer Karel Martens, ‘this is too heavy and stiff, the paper should be thinner,’ I was unsatisfied. ‘You are very precise. You are a book designer!’ she smiled. Surprised to hear the word ‘precise’, a description that is far from what I’m usually perceived as. Perhaps, I became so without noticing it. 

During the long hours of folding paper, punching holes and bookbinding, I always questioned myself why am I doing this again, and why don’t I just move on? What if I spent all these hours on Max/MSP software that I made no progress in? Every time, I thought, I’m never going to make books again. But, the moment the book lands in the hands of another person and seeing the firsthand reaction, I feel it’s all worth it. ‘This would be the perfect birthday present for my stepmother! She is Japanese and loves music and sound!’ At the book fair, I sold the first copy of my book.

Recently, when I travelled to Brussels, I took two copies to a bookshop. Before I had the courage to walk to the curator’s table, I stood in the corner hesitating until my friend yelled quietly ‘Just go!’ I answered the curator’s questions in a tight voice, and everything ended in a blur. Later, I received an email that the copies were sold as soon as she put them out. 

By continuing, one led to another. The original copies in Japan, exhibiting at a book fair, making additional copies and selling second editions in the Netherlands, to taking them to a bookshop. Each successive book is dedicated to continuous improvement, made with resources around me. I am moving to Helsinki soon, where I plan to produce five more copies for a book fair. Who knows what will happen next…