What are the objects – both tangible and intangible – that make home, Home?
After discussions in class, I came to the conclusion that as a person who has moved houses multiple times, I find my home in trains. I spent a large amount of my childhood waiting for the next house my parents would pack and move to.
My final output after a week, was this small illustrated booklet, in which I wrote a poem (dedicated to my mother, who embodies 'home' to me.)
In the booklet I have used typographic elements of my native language as well as doodles to add flavour to the main text.
Guide: Poulomi Das
Main text (The Trains I took):
I remember autumns
orange leaves on the ground
the washing area where
we would wash ourselves
along with the clothes
then came the train
and it took me along
sleeping on your lap
on a half ticket
I remember springs
big gardens with bigger trees
my friend, Mr. sprinkler system
my adventures in play school
fancy dress contests
my box of crayons
then came the train
and it took me along
me sleeping with you
because I still fit
I remember winters
foggy school mornings
too many layers of clothing
crushes on boys
fighting with you
then came the train
and it took me along
you came too
just to see me off
Here in the summers
I lie in my blanket
I imagine it smells of you
even when it stops to
I'm too big for my bed
there will come a train
and it will take me back
to you, Maa
wherever you are
in all our holidays,
we'll still sleep together
and I'll be safe.
- Aaryama Somayaji