Through my study of illuminated manuscripts, I became interested in the elaborate intials that graced the pages and announced the beginning of a chapter in a book. I looked at the interplay of subject and letterform, of historiated or foliated initials, and saw both a design challenge, and a frame for detailed nature studies. I was practicing calligraphy at the time and eventually wrote out a satisfactory Roman style alphabet. Beginning in early 2006 I began illustrating a few random letters without much thought to making a complete illustrated alphabet. With the encouragement of the late Mr. James J. White of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, I completed an Abcderium in 2010. I used a variety of subjects choosing insects, plants, birds and animals that had a specific relevance to our family.
A is for Aqilegia, a flower that denotes the courage of an Eagle and the gentleness of a dove.
B is for Bloodroot- an early spring bloom, whose roots were used as a dye and medicinal cure.
C is for cardinal, a favorite spring songster.
X is for Xiphosura, the horseshoe crab, a living fossil.
Y is for the color yellow of flowers and bees.
Z is for Zebra finch because I really like these!