Proximity
Book
Dearest viewer,
I hope this website has found you well. This book was bound and designed by myself, representing my master’s thesis in graphic design. My thesis centered around Intimacy & Art is displayed through interviews, design projects, and the book itself. As I sit down to write this, I am reminded again of the importance of intimacy in our lives. While the term is often associated with sexual contexts, its meaning goes far beyond mere physicality. In fact, this very website is a prime example of the intimate relationship between you and me. I may never know you, but you’re getting to know me.
As a designer, it has been vital in my practice to create from my own personal perspective that captures my inspiration and illuminates who I am as a creative. Though sharing work based on personal intimacies can make audiences uncomfortable, it is through these intimate moments that we can establish an extremely personal and meaningful connection with our viewers. Design based on personal experiences and emotions allows for stronger communication and reaction from audiences. Through this approach, we can pursue ideas of social connection and understanding and challenge societal conventions and ingrained patterns.
Intimacy is a much broader idea than just a dinner party or a deep conversation, and it is definitely so much more than a sexual act. Almost everything in life can be an intimate experience if we treat it as such. When we design with intimacy in mind, we leave room for vulnerability and wonder, enabling dialogue on subjects that aren’t often discussed, facilitating human connection, and ultimately enabling us to be more comfortable moving forward. I hope this letter has inspired you to think about intimacy in a new light. As we navigate our lives and our creative endeavors, may we continue to pursue connection and understanding with the same openness and vulnerability that we bring to our most intimate moments.
Thank you,
Hannah Diamond
