The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced its lineup of new stamps coming in 2023, featuring a diverse array of artists from various backgrounds. The stamps will showcase original artwork by contemporary artists, including Di’Orr Greenwood, who specializes in pyrography, the art of making designs using fire and wood. Her turquoise-inlaid skateboard design, which features eagle feathers and the colors of the rising or setting sun, is part of the Art of the Skateboard series.
A Diverse Group of Artists
The USPS aims to engage young artists and promote cultural diversity, so rather than going to one artist for all the skateboards, they commissioned four different artists, including Crystal Worl, William James Taylor Junior, and MazPaz (aka Federico Frum). The artwork was selected by the USPS Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by the Postmaster General.
USPS Director of Stamp Services, William Glicker, explained that several factors go into deciding which art is suitable for a postage stamp. The artwork must translate well to a smaller scale, represent the diversity of visual culture, and avoid being “bicoastal-centric.” The USPS considers the relevance of the artist’s work to the current zeitgeist and tries to honor the best of our nation’s culture and talent.
A Long Process
On average, the USPS allows about three years from the time they begin work on a stamp until it is issued. Alcalá, the art director for the stamps, also designed other stamps for 2023, including “Lunar New Year – Year of the Rabbit” and “Piñatas!” These stamps feature original art by Camille Chew and Victor Meléndez, respectively.
The Art of the Skateboard stamps will be released on March 24, and there will be a first-day-of-issue and dedication event at the main Phoenix post office. Greenwood’s skateboard deck art is also on display in group exhibitions at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
By engaging young artists, the USPS is dedicated to honoring the best of culture and talents of USA.
