Holland Island: Lost Atlantis of the Chesapeake
by A.M. Foley with P. Smith Rue
Publisher: Dogwood Ridge Books, Elliott Island, MD USA
Book available for purchase at: http://facebook.com/AMFoleyBooks
This project began in August 2014 and was completed in November 2015. The book is a comprehensive history of a once inhabited island in the Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland. After approx. 250 years of habitation, the island was ultimately abandoned by its residents 100 years ago due to creeping erosion and flooding. See the following images for my thought process/symbolism etc.
The hand-lettered titles were inspired by a letter written by a school teacher who was a resident on the island. I felt it was necessary to make the experience personal for the reader, as this island has long been forgotten and many of its residents' graves are even underwater and gone forever. Adding the "hand" of an actual resident keeps them alive, even in this very small way.
The original letter written by Miss Emma Willis in 1902.
Letters were selected and refined in Illustrator.
One of the spreads. The "swooshes" underneath the chapter headings and in between sections are taken from the letter as well. The line under the chapter heading suggests water rising.
