The stamp, seen here, features Ford along with the iconic image of John Wayne's Ethan Edwards walking away from the cabin door in THE SEARCHERS (1956). Monument Valley can be seen in the background.
Previews of more 2012 stamps can be seen at Beyond the Perf. I especially like the Cherry Blossom Centennial stamp.
(Via missmccrocodile.)
I expect to get a double supply of those John Ford stamps: one to use and one to save. But y'know, they missed an opportunity, big time, on the design. Instead of Wayne walking away through the doorway, they should have pictured him standing there looking at us, his left hand clasping his right elbow. That was Wayne's deliberate tribute to Harry Carey, Ford's first star, and if they'd used that stance, the stamp would be a triple commemoration. I suspect whoever designed the stamp knew very little about Ford's career.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, Jim -- as memorable as it is for Wayne to walk away, this evening I had thought to myself I kind of wished that instead they'd captured the moment Wayne clasps his arm. Thanks for taking the time to share that idea here. Like you, I'm looking forward to stocking up!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Laura
I have mixed feelings about which of those two images would have been best. Jim's argument is a good one--especially as regards the Harry Carey reference, and Wayne looking in would have also supported the doubleness of Ford's vision, deep empathy for both the outsider (Ethan) and the community (not actually seen in the image but inside the doorway). But the final "walking away" image also says something profound about Ford, and I'll disagree with Jim at least about his last sentence. I think it was a very deliberated decision and whoever designed it knows Ford's work at least fairly well or this wouldn't be there at all.
ReplyDeleteIn any event, I've hoped for this Ford stamp for many years and never understood why it took them so long. If there is one greatest American artist in any medium, surely it is John Ford.
This happy occasion gives me a chance to say how much I enjoy and appreciate Laura's blog. Laura, I don't know how you are able to cover so much and so well, and thanks especially for taking enthusiastic note of the Ford stamp.
Blake, thank you so much for your well-thought-out ideas on the stamp design. I love that something as "simple" as a stamp design has provoked such discussion! For which we can all thank John Ford. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you also very much indeed for your kind words. It means a great deal to me to know that my efforts here are enjoyed and appreciated!
Hope you will share your thoughts here again in the future.
Best wishes,
Laura