Words themselves are symbols or pictures of our language; as writing is a method of representing language in a visual or tactile form. All types of writing systems use sets of symbols to represent the sounds of speech, and such things as punctuation and numbers. Writing systems are not only functional as a visual way to represent language, but also represent the cultures and peoples performing the writing.

Though images, pictures, and art are quite different than text of a natural language, they are not totally different. Images, pictures and art are created to convey meaning or express a concept, just as language does when written. In fact, we often draw diagrams to clarify textual meaning. In ancient times, words had magic and power; some words could not be spoken but were represented by a symbol. It can be argued that a graphic display is fully adequate or superior to a verbal or written description.

Artists are notoriously sparing of words, preferring to let their creation “speak for itself.” Yet words can add mystery or additional meaning to an art piece, providing a narrative, leading the viewer to a certain interpretation of the image — or not. Just as an image can supplement a text, words can compliment an image. Then there is the entire concept of script or text altered abstractly to become a piece of art, or the text or script fashioned into an image or picture.

Words are everywhere. Words are on advertisements, appliances, structures, streets, clothing, vehicles, packaging, etc .All these words reflects the environment we live in. The way we speak and write, the vocabulary we use, offers insight into the person we are and the culture or people we are communicating with. Words are necessary and a vital part of our world. For this exhibit we hope to be able to show a diverse rendering of what a Visual Vocabulary looks like.

Images:  Feature image by Angie Flannagan. This page, top image, collage by Jan Fogel. Center image, haiga, by  donnalynn chase. Image, right, asemic writing by Marcia Brauer.