SENSE OF PLACE

handmade artist books


Holger Thoss began the Sense of Place project while visiting a friend’s home. He was drawn to the architecture, the surrounding landscape, and the memories embedded within the space. The impulse was to photograph what made the place feel lived in and meaningful. The resulting images were gathered into a handmade artist book—an intimate record of place, memory, and experience.




Each commission begins with a conversation in which stories, details, and meaningful elements are shared. This exchange sets the tone for the work and allows him to understand how individuals move through and relate to a space.

Depending on the project, Thoss may spend anywhere from an afternoon to several days photographing the chosen environment. The timeline is discussed in advance and shaped by the space's rhythm, allowing the images to emerge naturally.

Following the commission, clients receive a hand-delivered folio that reflects both the visible structure and the quieter, often-overlooked qualities of the place. A handmade artist book may also be commissioned for more expansive documentation. Each book is constructed by Thoss as a lasting object—meant to be held, shared, and returned to over time.

Thoss undertakes Sense of Place commissions both domestically and internationally.
+1 (212) 627-8829
info@holgerthoss.com