The Artwork of Alan Irwin

Tengwar 4-Sided Spinning Die, 2008

Mahagony and Ebony

1¼ inches x 1¼ inches x 2¼ inches

Pyrography, Tengwar Script

This 4-sided die is engraved with Tengwar script for the numbers 1 through 4. Tengwar was created by J. R. R. Tolkien to illustrate his stories (e.g. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings).

This die is constructed similarly to a top or a dreidel so that it can be spun by the thumb and forefinger. Each of the four sides has a unique symbol that identifies the numbers 1 through 4.

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 4 sided die that is meant to be used, and so the numeric transliteration of these symbols was used in its design.

Vulcan 4-Sided Die, 2008

Amboyna Burl

½ inch x ½ inch x 1¾ inch

Pyrography, Vulcan Script

This 4-sided die is engraved with Vulcan script so that each side is distinguishable as the numbers 1 through 4. 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 4 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.

Cha’, 2008

Dyed Maple

3¾ inches diameter x 1½ inches height

Pyrography, Klingon Script

This bowl is engraved with the Klingon phrase that translates to “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Klingon is a constructed language created for the Star Trek universe owned by Paramount. The written script is as well defined as the language (works of Shakespeare have been translated into Klingon).

The engraving and texturing were burned into the maple wood. The title Cha ‘ is the Klingon word for “two”.

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.