The Artwork of Alan Irwin

Vulcan 6-Sided Die, 2008

Amboyna Burl

¾ inch diameter x 1½ inches long

Pyrography, Vulcan Script

This 6-sided die is engraved with Vulcan script so that each side is distinguishable as the numbers 1 through 6. The Vulcan language is artificial, created for the Star Trek franchise owned by Paramount. Although a spoken syntax and vocabulary have been developed for the language, the written script has not been standardized. The calligraphy script I’ve used on this piece has been derived from images seen on TV and in movies.

Although a part of my Script series (as well as the Kinetic series), the meaning of the symbols is a stronger than usual element in the design of this object. This is a fully functional 6 sided die that is meant to be used, and so a numeric value is needed for each face of the die. Since there isn’t a standard transliteration of numbers into Vulcan script, on each side there is a set of dots representing a cardinal number. One side has a single dot, another side has two dots, and so on. These dots have been incorporated into the unique symbols on the faces.

Tengwar Stave, 2008

Maple

1 inch diameter x 15½ inches length

Pyrography, Tengwar Script

This stave is engraved with Tengwar script. Tengwar was created by J. R. R. Tolkien to illustrate his stories (e.g. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings). This phrase is the inscription on the Gate of Moria, and translates into English as “The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend, and enter.”

The lettering is burned into the maple wood.

As with each piece in my Script series, I’m more interested in the abstract patterns created by the script than the meanings created by the source language.

He Loves You, 2008

2½ inches diameter x 5 inches height

Maple and Ebony

Pyrography, Skrull script

This vase is engraved with three different Skrull scripts transliterating the phrase “He loves you.” Skrull is a fictional race owned by Marvel Comics. In recent issues, the phrase “He loves you” is repeatedly used during a Skrull invasion and illustrated with these three lettering patterns. I’ve used those three patterns repeatedly over the exterior of the vase.

The lettering is burned into the maple wood.

As with each piece in my Script series, I’m more interested in the abstract patterns created by the script than the meanings created by the source language.