The newly released May Angelou quarter is a tribute to the renowned poet and author, one of the foremost figures of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 70s. The quarter was actually designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer, Joel Iskowitz. He comes from a long line of successful freelance graphic designers, and his client list includes some of the most recognized and respected names in the field.
A major challenge of designing the May Angelou quarter was incorporating her two distinctive sides, one that is widely known and respected, and the other that speaks to her more often overlooked childhood. The May Angelou quarter is a narrative that speaks to these sides by appearing to be several images at once. It includes a young girl reciting a poem, a triumphant woman singing and a soaring phoenix, representative of Angelou’s hard-won redemption.
As the lead designer, Iskowitz put a lot of thought into the compositional elements of the quarter, including shape, form and color. He used the natural elements found in Angelou’s poetry to create a pattern that melds her identity with her words and accomplishments. The final design, featuring gold, silver and bronze metallic inks, is an homage to Angelou’s profound talent and lasting legacy. It also serves as a meaningful tribute to her spirit and courage.
Iskowitz was chosen to design the May Angelou quarter due to his exceptional talents as a graphic designer and his experience in working with iconic figures in the field. He has designed coins, medals, currency and billiard coins for countries around the world and is well respected within the numismatic industry. His collaborative and creative nature made him the ideal choice for this project, as it required him to be well-versed in various design elements and able to work closely with Angelou’s estate and the U.S. Mint.
Iskowitz worked closely with the U.S. Mint and Angelou’s estate throughout the process of designing the quarter. He was provided with photographs, poetry excerpts and other materials from Angelou’s life and work to use as inspiration for the design. He also worked closely with Angelou’s estate to ensure that the quarter was a genuine representation of her and her work. He drew heavily on her poetry and philosophy to create a design that captures the spirit of Angelou and her message of inclusive excellence.
Process of Designing the Quarter
With the help of the U.S. Mint and May Angelou’s estate, Iskowitz went through a rigorous process while designing the May Angelou quarter. He began by studying her work and her legacy, creating sketches and making multiple revisions before the final design was approved. He then worked closely with the U.S. Mint to ensure that the design was printed correctly on the quarters and that the colors were achieved in the best way possible. Iskowitz was also responsible for overseeing the coin’s production, from start to finish, to ensure a quality product.
Why the Design is Unique
The May Angelou quarter is a unique tribute to the poet and author because of the attention to detail and composition that went into it. Iskowitz created a design that captures the spirit of Angelou and her work by incorporating elements of her poetry and philosophy into the design. He also took into account the various elements of the design, such as shape, form and color, to make it an aesthetically pleasing design. The May Angelou quarter also pays homage to Angelou’s accomplishments and her lasting legacy because of the intricate details and symbolism included in the design.
Symbols represented in the Quarter
The May Angelou quarter features several symbolic elements, such as a young girl reciting a poem, a triumphant woman singing and a soaring phoenix, which represent Angelou’s hard-won redemption. These symbols are meant to represent Angelou’s childhood, her struggle and her ultimate success. The quarter also features other symbolic elements, such as a star to commemorate Angelou’s Grammy Award, and the two American flags, which represent her deep love of the United States.
Importance of the Quarter
The May Angelou quarter is an important way of honoring an iconic figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It is also a meaningful tribute to the legacy and courage of May Angelou and a telling reminder of her impact on the world. The quarter is a meaningful and lasting reminder of Angelou’s accomplishments and her contribution to literature, activism and society.
Martin Luther King and Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King, Jr. shared a special bond. Angelou had a deep admiration for King, and their connection was described by people close to both of them as “magical.” After the assassination of King, Angelou wrote the poem “His Day is Done,” in his honor, which was included in her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of poems, “And Still I Rise.” The two were also connected by their activism and dedication to civil rights, and their friendship was celebrated by many.
Learnings from her Work
Maya Angelou’s work is a source of inspiration for many, providing valuable lessons about life, love, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Her writing is filled with imagery, as she paints vivid pictures of the people and experiences from her life. Her words have captured the hearts of many, and her work has opened the doors of understanding and empathy. May Angelou’s writing serves as an enduring reminder of the power of the written word and the beauty of human spirit.
Her Philosophy
Maya Angelou’s philosophy was rooted in the idea of self-empowerment. She was a firm believer in the power of the individual and the importance of creating one’s own destiny. In her writing, she often spoke of the power of the mind and the importance of setting and achieving goals. She once said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” This quote sums up her message of taking charge of one’s own life and not letting obstacles define one’s future.
Her Impact on Society
Maya Angelou’s work had an immense impact on society, from her lyrical exploration of the struggles of African-Americans to her poetically honest depictions of the human experience. Her work opened the eyes of many to the plights of the marginalized and encouraged people to strive for acceptance and equality. She was also a powerful advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice. Her writing was a tool for those seeking to create a better society, and today her writing is studied in schools, in universities and around the world.
