ANSI Art and Illuminated Bibles
The History of ASCII (ANSI) Art page shows the history of using writing as a visual medium. Rather than communicating just the words, the medium itself brings an artistic message. The writer follows through the history of Egyptian hieroglyphics, Christian illuminated manuscripts, children’s drawings, Radio teletype (RTTY) art and finally the ANSI art of the early 1990s BBS scene.
The site is just about exhaustive. I’ve never considered that Christians had a contribution to ANSI art, but it’s worth reflection. Of course, Anglican priest George Herbert made his contribution to written art in his 1633 poem, The Altar. While the content of the poem itself is worth comment, the fact that the shape of the words is a picture of an altar reflects the content in the form, the message in the medium and puts a good Reformation era milestone on the contribution towards ANSI art.
A few other items this past week on written art:
Today bOINGbOING points us to an illuminated Cockney Bible, which can be yours (via Amazon) for only £50.
Jason Scott’s interview with John Sheetz, recently mentioned on his blog, ASCII. He gives an account of his life as a Radio Teletype operator and the art that he created and shared.
