mail + water

Paper + Water consist of two snail mail designs (Rub and Unravel) that make use of water as a medium to add to the mail opening experience. 

Rub (as seen in picture) allows recipients to open their mail by rubbing it with water. The water softens the paper, making it tear easily, while the plastic sheet preserves the message on the back of the envelope. The motion of rubbing and friction is associated with anger or frustration, and symbolizes the unresolved conflict between two people. As the recipient may be unwilling to resolve issues and open this mail, a more unconventional method is used to add suspense and hesitation to reveal the message within. 

Unravel is made by soaking a letter written on tissue in water before sealing it by squeezing the water out. The random layering of the crumple prevents the recipient from figuring out the message. When placed in water, the recipient can slowly unravel the tissue to reveal the full message. The delicate nature of tissue seems to make it unsuitable as a medium for mail. However, it is also this property which allows water to seal and reveal it.
The opening process of Unravel hints at the idea of wanting the tell the recipient something but also the unwillingness to speak of it directly. Unravel looks unassuming from the outside but secretly, it hides the true feelings of a loved one.

Project done with Colette Chan