“Old dictionaries, take on a different persona, as they age, giving explanations to words that now, 60 years after the dictionary was printed, feel slightly out of kilter, opening up

a direct line to hidden meanings and forgotten connotations.

Words, are powerful, they conjure up images, emotions, memories…… all of our lives, we are surrounded by words, seduced by words but also struck down, by words. Eventually they weave the shroud we are buried in……

Words, can also be powerful allies, bring us love, give

us friendships, help share in our joy and bring us comfort in times of need.

At no time, are words to be taken lightly, so although in ways I treat them with a quirky twist of humour in this series, I also pay homage to each page in this old dictionary .

Using digital technology to enlarge and print the dictionary page on to the canvas, I then apply the paint to the canvas.”

                                                                 -Mariann Johansen-Ellis