Icelandic Words in Local Flora

Drawn in 2018, a series of casual Icelandic words decorated in local flora and fauna.

These pieces were sold as a postcard set.

“Ha” is a word often deemed rude by foreigners, and is often used instead of “pardon?” or “excuse me?” or “could you please repeat what you said?” or “Unbelievable! Incredible! Please, say more!” Scrunch up the face for bonus points. This word was added to the collection after the linguist Rósa had it custom ordered.

Since this word is deemed crass by those not used to it, I mixed Icelandic flowers that you wouldn’t pick for your mom’s bouquet: Norwegian Angelica and Common Cottongrass, that aren’t the prettiest wildflowers, although practical. Our national flower Eight-petal Mountain-Aven prides itself within the bunch.

“Jújú” means “Sure.” “Jú” is mainly used in defiance to a negative statement, while “Jújú” may be used to appease.

To double down in a more defiant manner against a statement made to you, you can say “Jú víst!” or loosely translated “Yes, it is known to be so!”

For this word I chose to depict two thrushes feasting on rowan berries, because I remember them fondly in my grandmothers rowan tree. It seemed to be the right location for a comfortable, snug and mundane conversation, where they can chirp to one another in an unbothered manner: “Another berry?” “Jújú, why not.” Or, in a more serious tone: “You think if I eat enough berries I’ll make it through winter?” “Jú víst, you always have. You can count on it.”

“Jæja” is an all purpose word to emote or signal a desire for change in a conversation. Often spoken on an inhale.

Since the word is used so organically and liberally to convey emotions without a clear singular definition, I wanted to choose a plant that grows without inhibitions. I chose Alaskan Lupines, a hotly debated invasive species. The lupine has spread like wildfire across Iceland, painting our hills with purple. The natives tend to either loathe or love these purple flowers. Some think the lupine is jeopardizing our signature landscape, and that it looks hideous once the purple blossoms wilt. Others are grateful that it grows so freely, providing relief from sand storms in previously barren regions, while also providing nutrition to the earth and surrounding plants. Regardless of our human opinions, the local wildlife seems to love it. Depicted here is the plant’s main pollinator, the bee.

“Já” means “Yes.”

I wanted this word to be filled with life and possibility. Therefore, Iceland Poppies are blooming in various directions, some mid bloom, some beginning bloom, some buds still in preparation. Iceland Poppies are resilient flowers, growing from cracks in concrete, weaving from beneath big rocks, nesting against fences. They’re here to remind us that no one and nothing can dampen our true spirits and limitless possibility.

“Jahá” means “I see!” and is used when receiving new information. Seize this opportunity to express your emotional tone, whether sceptical, surprised, pleased, informed, or stalling for time before offering your reply.

I wanted this word to be crammed with blossoming wildlife, like lots of new information springing at you. I feel like I mainly use this word, personally, when I’m still digesting what was just presented to me, or when unsure about how to respond thoughtfully. I wanted to mimic that feeling of navigating information internally, by creating an image filled with diverse species that takes a long time to navigate visually.