Despite the fact that cursive handwriting is being taught less often in schools today (see Are pens becoming relics of the past?), and despite the fact that bookstores everywhere are struggling to stay in business, it strikes me that we use words—handwritten, hand- or machine-printed, hand-painted, screen-printed, block-printed, carved, incised, tattooed, and so on—in more non-publication ways than ever. We have a love affair with words, in other words. And it’s all about the drive to communicate in a world where the news of the moment becomes old news as soon as you can transmit another electronic message. Basically, that means this very next second.
Are we compensating by finding more lasting—and less traditional—ways to impress words upon ourselves and others? Think about it.
We celebrate words of a “vintage” nature.
We embellish our bodies and clothing with words.
We decorate our homes with words.
We use words or word tools to inspire, support a cause or spark an emotion.
We play with words, invent new ones and find new ways to communicate.
We create art with words.
We use words to evoke remembrance.
Walk through your house sometime, and count the many different ways you are using words in your daily life, besides through printed or digital publications. You might be surprised.
© 2014 Judy Nolan. All rights reserved.
WONDERFUL finds!! I love words. I have a Pinterest board for words, but I love how your features combine art and words.
Great post…and so true! I love art prints with great quotes. And if I ever get another tattoo…I’ll get “This Too Shall Pass” 🙂
the Inspire book art is just beautiful! And the bracelet is so cute. I love to use paper in art and I’ve even gotten to the point of tearing up books to use in mixed media. A big step for me! {:-D