Bonsai

Art direction, illustrations, graphic design and packaging for the music album "Bonsai", by Camará.

Derived from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice ("penzai"), which was then redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism, Bonsai ("plantings in tray") is traditionally a work of art. Art made with love, patience and plenty of dedication. Each branch is carefully wired and pruned, buds are pinched with extreme delicacy, water is poured with patient attention, in order to create a realistic depiction of nature.

Based on the fact that this small yet complex work of art is essentially made of time, in which there are no quick results, a meditative approach in the process is the only way of truly understanding what nurturing a bonsai means. Therefore, by using dots — the minimal fragments of any visual arts, to compose the illustrations became a way of translating the concept of time and patience into the album art. A distinct serif typeface ("Argent CF", by Connary Fagen) along with one-color design (PMS Black) were mixed to emphasize the subtlety that permeates the album songs and to fulfill the minimalistic approach of the cover design.

A 600 unit special edition, printed by Grafica Águia and Sala de Serigrafia with Pantone Black C (offset and embossed silkscreen), on Suzano Triplex cardboard (digipack) and Cocoon offset (sleeve), was produced as a gift for the funders who helped the band to release their second album.

Listen to the album in Spotify.
Buy the album on iTunes.
Check the band website.