Andrea Starkey Bellbrook, Ohio USA
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'No. 27'
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Artist's comments ...
Andrea Starkey
Bellbrook, Ohio
andrea@starkeyart.comNo. 27
Paper Dimension: 7.5” x 10”
Image Dimension: 4.75” x 7”
Block: 5 linoleum blocks
Ink: Akua Kolor water based inks
Paper: Sekishu and mulberry variety
Edition: 50
I love the story of the ampersand. Originally a combination of e and t (Latin et), the ligature changed over time into the character we are familiar with today. Until the mid 1800’s it was thought of as the 27th letter of the alphabet, and is said to have gotten its name from the recitation of the alphabet; x, y, z and per se and.
Typographers take liberties with the ampersand more than any other character, as each font has its own unique version. I took this opportunity to design my own ampersand in the style of early 1900’s book, poster and magazine artwork, a time when illustrators and graphic designers hand drew their type.