A letter from the Editor

Dear Friends:
The following excerpts are from an article entitled “LABELING OF BOTANICAL ART: UTILIZING THE RULES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF BOTANICAL NOMENCLATURE by Debra Carey.

The first draft of the article has received editorial contribution by Mr. John Beckner, Curator Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida and Mr. James J. White, Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano, Coordinator of the Ringling School of Art and Design, School of Continuing Studies Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate Program, Sarasota, Florida in an attempt to provide a coordinated effort of mutual interest by persons knowledgeable in the field.

History of botanical nomenclature shows us that naming plants has itself been a work in progress for hundreds of years. Thus, we are not hesitant to release this first draft in order to peak the interest and awareness of the botanical art community while the article continues as a work in progress. It is our endeavor to provide information for artists that will prove universally acceptable by the scientific community so that research and exhibited work is not subjected to refusal or repudiation.

• What is botanical nomenclature? It is the scientific naming of a plant also referred to as taxonomy.
• Why do we include botanical nomenclature in botanical artwork? Labeling botanical artwork creates historical taxon reference necessary for scientific research and citation. All botanical artwork performed on behalf of the scientific community would be labeled with its correct Latin name. Botanical artwork created for the artistic community can, therefore, be informally labeled.
• What items are included when labeling? Formal labeling, unless under instruction, always includes the following headings: Family, Genus, Species, Artist Name and Date of Artwork. The Cultivar is included when applicable. The informal labeling could include artist’s title of work, common name of plant, artist name and/or date. If the artist decides on informal labeling and does not date the front of the work, it is suggested that they sign and date the back of the artwork.
• How does the labeling appear on botanical art and in what order? Rules apply primarily to the use of italics, periods, upper and lowercase. Underline is used only when italic is not available. The order of labeling is clearly an editorial style. The text can be stacked or spread out and is dependent on the editor.
• When do we label botanical art? When the artist chooses to, or when we are requested to do so by an editor.
• Where do we position botanical labeling? Generally, the labeling is placed at the bottom left, right or center of the artwork. Its position is dictated by the artist, and often by the art itself, or by the editor.
  

Please let us hear your comments.

God bless. OM

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