In this coffee table art book, Melanie Walby brings her celebrated art exhibit to the pages, sharing an understanding of dismantling racism that feels more spiritual than divisive.

Once you see the fishbowl, you can't unsee the clear water.

In 2020, award-winning designer, illustrator, and creative director Melanie Walby wrote and designed an art exhibit titled Clear Water.

Weaving together history, social justice, and theology as an interconnected story, Clear Water takes the reader through an intimate and deeply spiritual conversation between two Black women.

The intricate graphic design art book brings the art exhibit to the page, with photographs that "walk you through" the gallery of illustrations and designs featuring thought-provoking and heartfelt references to podcasts, books, articles, and scriptures.

It walks the viewer through the process of unlearning the lies we're told about ourselves and each other and offers grace by recognizing that none of us are done. There is always more to learn, more to change and more to heal.

As multifaceted as the human experience is, Clear Water is a:

• coffee table book by a Black artist and designer, bringing together illustration, photography and type design with paper of different sizes, colors, textures, and printing methods.
• antiracism book for those healing through racial trauma in need of affirmation and encouragement—exploring tools for rest and care through ancient spiritual disciplines.
• Christian coffee table book, that puts scripture alongside the mass movement of believers throughout history who have pushed back against Christian Nationalism through the teachings of Jesus.

This isn't an awareness campaign for people who need to get aware. This is for people who are already aware and are very tired. It is an art exhibit you can hold in your hands, revisit as often as you need it, and find something for yourself in each read.

Melanie Walby is an award-winning designer, illustrator, and creative director. Since 2010, her experience at various ad agencies, design firms, and design-centered nonprofits in Minneapolis have taught her the power of visual communication and narrative change. Her work spans across branding, advertising, editorial, and social justice. She is the founder of Good Graces, a print shop that brings hard truths and healing together in the form of exhibitions, events, and home goods.

"Finding herself having the same conversations over and over, Melanie Walby decided to pour that energy into a design project where she could say everything she felt all at once. Rather than angle her message to someone who needed to learn, she wrote from the perspective of someone who already knew and was tired, who could find themself both validated and affirmed through reading." — Volume One magazine

"Division feels ever-present but Melanie Walby endeavors, through art and words, to heal those divisions." — Margaret Leonard, owner of Dotters Books

"Melanie Walby is the best example I know of someone who is able to speak truth boldly in love." — Daniel Greco, vocal coach and musician