Filed Under: "Primer for Prophets"

Our good friend and fellow Floraphile Jillian Leigh Sutton, a DJ at WGCX in Hudson, New York, passes along this Florafied invitation: Brian Dewan, who will be presenting one of his wry original filmstrips, is also a good friend and a member of the Raymond Scott Orchestrette. If you’re in the area, go and enjoy yourself while supporting a good cause – regardless of whether you have bonus legs or just the requisite two.

Detail, “Furnished,” Primer for Prophets alphabet series, 1954. We’ve issued 12 letters as limited edition screen prints, but “F(urnished)” is still in the deep freeze. The full print isn’t as disturbing as the above detail suggests—the husband beyond the crop hasn’t lost his cool. All shall be revealed by the time we complete the series.

Detail, “Raided,” Primer for Prophets alphabet series, 1954. We’ve issued 12 letters as limited edition screen prints, but “R” remains on our to-do list.

Unlettered page from Primer for Prophets booklet, 1954. This image will not be part of our screen print alphabet series.

We recently launched our third series of alphabetical Primer for Prophets screen prints (see preceding post). Minneapolis printmaker Dan Ibarra of Aesthetic Apparatus, where the series is produced, sent us snapshots of the production process: Detail of WASHED: First inking of ECONOMIZED: Drying racks with ganged images after first ink pass: Finished, dried, stacked, untrimmed prints: We’ve now produced prints for the letters A, C, D, E, G, J, K, N, Q, S, U, and…

NOW AVAILABLE: the next four works in the Primer for Prophets screen print series. Cool Flora illustrations of the American nuclear family during the 1950s, when grocers employed stockdogs, crows fought tug-of-war over lingerie, and cigarettes were obligatory in the obstetrics ward. The images derive from a 1954 trade-only alphabet booklet that Flora illustrated for CBS-TV, depicting consumer markets for prospective TV advertisers. The third set of prints features ECONOMIZED, NURSED, UNDERESTIMATED, and WASHED. Each…

Our third series of Primer for Prophets screen prints are in production, and should be ready for market by early October. “W” is among the featured letters. For more information, click on the “Primer for Prophets” tag at the bottom to see previous posts. The series is being produced by our friends at Aesthetic Apparatus, of Minneapolis. Series 1: Ate, Drove, Jived, and Smoked. Series 2: Cooked, Groomed, Kissed, and Quaffed.

Flora found them irresistible. Surplus heads too.

Detail, Primer for Prophets booklet, 1954

Say it with Flora’s: KISSED — screen print from the Primer for Prophets alphabet series: an iconic 1954 illustration by Flora commemorating romantic commitment through the exchange of luxurious merchandise. Order before Feb. 10 and we’ll (almost) guarantee delivery by the 14th. Meaning, it’ll be shipped in time and — barring climate interference or courier screw-up — will arrive in time for thrilling your significant something-or-other. Order here.

REACH! Heck, it’s only pretend gunplay. Detail, Primer for Prophets booklet, commissioned by CBS-TV, 1954.

NOW AVAILABLE: the next four works in the Primer for Prophets screen print series. Cool Flora illustrations of the American nuclear family (and their weird pets) during the 1950s, when donuts and cake were considered essential nutrients, little girls could multi-task with brushes, and dogs craved beer! The images derive from a 1954 trade-only alphabet booklet that Flora illustrated for CBS-TV. The second set of prints features KISSED, COOKED, GROOMED, and QUAFFED. Edition of 100…