Perilous

Perilous describes the long and arduous journey of a colleague who left his static home country of Bulgaria in search of something greater. The book itself is representative of his endeavors and exemplifies them through color, image, form, function and typography. Pavel Stankov, a former law student, initially left to study law and would occasionally return to Bulgaria. Soon after his returns became less frequent as he instead pursued days filled with unexpected adventure, free spirit and glimpses of American life from coast to coast.

Each page of this four-page book not only depicts detailed encounters through text, but also portrays it through the form of a Turkish map fold. Lined with coordinates, imagery distinct to locations where he spent a significant amount of time, and block quotes from Stankov himself, each page is designed to keep the reader informed of all the changes and realizations he faces.

Upon reaching his current destination, Stankov's epiphany came when he understood it was truly about the journey rather than the destination. Rather than finding oneself through interesting settings and locations, one does so through the unexpected occurrences faced through difficult challenges and harrowing adventures. Much like his story, the book ends by encouraging the reader to pinch both covers together, revealing a mandala. In this case represents a mental journey rather than a physical one.