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Meet The Author

Meet The Illustrator

Working with Span Studio

About the Typography

 

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About the Illustrator Lucie Van Der Elst and her introduction to ỌKPARA HOUSE.

Credit: Obi “Soulstar” Uwakwe - ELECTRIQSOUL HIDEOUT Studio

Obi Nwazota is an architect born into the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Nwazota is a first time author inspired by becoming a father seeking to share his legacy and the enchanting stories from his motherland. Nkemdiche Why We Do Not Grow Beards is written i

Obi Nwazota is an architect born into the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Nwazota is a first time author inspired by becoming a father seeking to share his legacy and the enchanting stories from his motherland. Nkemdiche Why We Do Not Grow Beards is written in dedication to his daughter, Ebelenna.

Lucie Van Der Elst is a French paper artist and illustrator, born in 1987 in Paris. Lucie lives and works in Chicago and has exhibited broadly in the US and Europe.

Lucie Van Der Elst is a French paper artist and illustrator, born in 1987 in Paris. Lucie lives and works in Chicago and has exhibited broadly in the US and Europe.

Lucie celebrates on print the inimitable magic of our oral storytelling traditions. The Igbo world is full of complexities that is rich and diverse in lore and textures. We generously dipped into these treasure troves for inspiration on colors and sy

Lucie celebrates on print the inimitable magic of our oral storytelling traditions. The Igbo world is full of complexities that is rich and diverse in lore and textures. We generously dipped into these treasure troves for inspiration on colors and symbols.

The cover design and typesetting was completed by Nick Adam and Bud Rodecker of Span in Chicago.

The cover design and typesetting was completed by Nick Adam and Bud Rodecker of Span in Chicago.

The bodycopy in Nkemdiche is set in Kigelia, designed by Mark Jamra and Neil Patel of JamraPatel in Portland, Maine. Kigelia is the first system of fonts for the most prominent writing systems in Africa.

The bodycopy in Nkemdiche is set in Kigelia, designed by Mark Jamra and Neil Patel of JamraPatel in Portland, Maine. Kigelia is the first system of fonts for the most prominent writing systems in Africa.

The display type used in Nkemdiche is Minérale designed by Thomas Huot-Marchand of 205TF in Lyon France.

The display type used in Nkemdiche is Minérale designed by Thomas Huot-Marchand of 205TF in Lyon France.

We would like to thank Valdis Kaulins Imagine Studio for capturing beautiful imagery of the book and the family of the author.

We would like to thank Valdis Kaulins Imagine Studio for capturing beautiful imagery of the book and the family of the author.

Nkemdiche - Why We Do Not Grow Beards

This Igbo-centric children's book captures the power, creativity, and the sacred practices of feminine beauty that remain timeless. Nkemdiche’s beautifully designed illustrations and accurate depictions of Igbo culture is a captivating story for all audiences. Nkemdiche is a book that takes us back to a time of folklore and the art of storytelling. We invite you to enjoy the beauty of Igbo culture.

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Written By - Obiora Nwazota

Illustrated By - Lucie Van Der Elst

Cover Design and Typesetting - Nick Adam and Bud Rodecker of Span in Chicago

Printing - Jelgavas Tipogrāfija