Alphabet Set

After having to put the risograph alphabet cards aside for a little while, I have finally been able to complete the set with letters P through to Z, hooray! It’s been an interesting exercise in learning how the tools work, and the different techniques required to achieve the desired result – you can definitely see the progression from Acorn to Zeppelin.

In between some of these tiny 3cm x 5 cm cards (inspired by vintage Eastern European matchboxes), I worked on other much larger pieces. When I finally returned to the last few letters, I was reminded what a difference the finished size of the work makes to the appearance of the riso effect. One of my favourite aspects is the faux misprinting effect, where text or graphics are out of alignment with one another, which is what commonly happens in real riso printing. I love that verisimilitude, and the charming vintage feel it lends.

If you were to ask me which is my favourite overall though, it would be hard to choose. But at the moment it is Zeppelin, because of the dramatic lighting which is applied even to the text. And I am fond of the Xylopipe – partly as a point of difference to the more commonly seen xylophone – but also for its bright and gaudy colours.

Yesterday I opened a new Instagram account @helena_turinski, where you will be able to see each of these singly, and also keep up with my artistic output. I’d love to hear from you there, or simply a follow would be warmly appreciated!