Design brief: Create a tunnel book depicting two different meanings of the same word, a homonym. One meaning with be displayed without any added light, the other meaning will shine through with the added light. 

Location: The Ohio State University

Date: January 2021 (5 weeks)

Constraints: Restricted to using only Bristol, card stock, and chipboard

Initial conceptualization: 

I chose to use the homonym "stalk." Without light, the viewer sees a field of bamboo stalks. With light, the viewer sees a tiger stalking his prey in the foliage.  

Research and Iteration: 

I learned that Sumatran tigers live in habitats known to feature lots of bamboo, and that they prey on Sambar deer. My predator and prey were set. 

Initial layouts had a scaled tiger and deer in a bamboo setting. It was not impactful from a design standpoint. I enlarged the tiger's face, allowing him to loom threateningly over the unsuspecting sambar deer. 

First draft:

Crafted from Bristol and printer paper. I learned my current bamboo forest was too dense - the looming tiger could not be seen behind the foliage. 

Second draft: 

Crafted from Bristol paper. The foliage was too thin - the viewer was able to see the shadow of the tiger in the back without any extra light. 

Final Draft:

Hand cut from Bristol. The binding was crafted from chipboard. The foliage was arranged at specific angles to fill the scene but also leave room for the tiger's eyes to shine through. 

Final Design:

The final product depicts both meanings of "stalk," the stem of a plant and the act of pursuing prey via the scene of an innocent sambar deer amidst a bamboo forest, unaware of the dangers lurking closely behind.