The Trace You Left (Ella Ordona)
2018 – ongoing
handbound artist’s books, a nightgown
Edition: 10
7.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 in. each
I have been welcomed into someone’s home—the most intimate shelter— and permitted to carefully and meticulously explore their possessions. Upon entering, I am offered a glass of water.
The woman’s name is Ella, and it is through a conversation concerning her belongings that I come to better understand her character. Objects are imbued with personality and memory; they are the personification of the owner.
I requested her to select an item of fabric to relinquish for the cover of the book; in this particular instance, she has chosen her nightgown. In capturing her possessions on 35mm film and hand binding this book, I hope to extend the tactile quality of objects to this portrait.
Selected pages from The Trace You Left (Ella Ordona)