“The impact of our activities on the Environment is an area of high priority for European postal operators and the multitude of initiatives across Europe inspired the theme linked to Europe’s ecology - Think Green. Once again the designers pulled through taking on this challenging theme and produced some magnificent entries. A lot of thoughts have gone into the designs and we would like this special 60th issue of EUROPA stamp to help build a legacy for the future generations” exclaimed Anita Häggblom, Chair of the PostEurop Stamps and Philately working group from Ǻland Post.
Here are the interpretations from a number of member countries: which is the odd one out?
A number of commentators have said that they dislike the cluttered design. Well, I can see what they mean, but at least this is design not just a stock photograph of a bridge, or a bird, or other wildlife.
The stamp motif is the work of Ms Doxia Sergidou who explains that “the main purpose was to show that it is in our hand to create a greener planet. Thus, I have placed a hand on the top side of the stamp which basically represents anyone of us, actively replacing the grey colour (the environmental pollution) with the green colour which symbolizes environmental living and hope, and in turn inspire us for a better world.”
“The left side of the stamp represents the polluted side and is painted grey showing us the tremendous disaster caused by the industries, automotive vehicles, power generation and inefficient waste. It also shows how the human activities are negatively influencing the environment. In contrast on the right side of the stamp, is the green side which shows us how using renewable energy resources, acting in a more environmental way and becoming more environmentally aware could positively affect the environment. This will not only have a positive effect in our generation, but it will also help the future ones to co-exist in harmony” adds Ms Sergidou.
I think on this occasion I would have preferred a stock photograph of a bridge, or a bird, or other wildlife. As a stamp design rather than say, poster art, it's a very poor design.
ReplyDeleteI am thoroughly enjoying your mock-ups of Royal Mail stamps as in your recent Post and Go comment and clearly the illustration here of the imperforate Europa stamp with the Queen's head is the odd one out as it will never see the light of day in any post office. Or was your question just rhetorical?
Very nice!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Brazil!
Do we have a definitive NO from Royal Mail about Europa stamps?
ReplyDeleteI do quite like the design. However, if you want a photograph of somewhere in the theme, I think there are some working windmills (making flour), or water wheels, etc. or even the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth.
It is still a bit on the cold side to visit The Centre for Alternative Technology but it is well worth a visit on warmer days (can get chilly up in the hills).
When I last went to the CAT there was plenty of activity in the carpark but the place was only open for a course, and for the builders. A sign at the foot of the path, near the carpark, would have been useful :-)
DeleteAlthough somewhat cluttered the stamp is successful in conveying visually some important environmental ideas. Not least the notion that we are all individually responsible through the choices we make as consumers. I like it.
ReplyDelete