The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 21, May 27, 2007, Article 22

DESIGNER JOEL ISKOWITZ ON THE ADAMS DOLLAR UNVEILING

I asked Joel Iskowitz, designer of the John Adams dollar obverse,
to share his thoughts on the John Adams dollar ceremony.  He writes:

"As an artist, illustrator and designer, being present at the John
Adams dollar coin launch ceremony was literally a dream come true
for many reasons. First and foremost, I consider myself to be a
narrative artist, meaning that I interpret my task to be 'Tell the
story'. To my mind, art is about more than just the inner recesses
of the artist's imagination or personal esthetic statement.  For
me, artwork that adds something to understanding or edification of
the viewer is most worthwhile. Art that speaks to the public and
fulfills its mission to educate or heighten awareness and
appreciation is what it's all about for me.

"Having the great honor of my interpretation of Adams' likeness
(based on John Trumbull's painting in the National Portrait Gallery
and masterfully sculpted by Charles Vickers of the U.S. Mint) selected
to be the rekindled image of our second president becomes for me, a
chance to add my voice to a dialogue that was begun in this nation's
infancy.

"Moreover, although I take great satisfaction and pride in knowing
my role in this, I fully understand that with the issuance of the
coin itself, it now truly belongs to everyone.

"So to witness its launch into general circulation was to step back
and witness the team effort soar off to it's own destiny.  Among many
memorable experiences that day, there are three that stand out and
I will cherish forever.

"The first was seeing the enthusiasm of the school children and their
eager embrace of this little piece of history, knowing that it will
open many portals of learning for them as the Presidential series
continues.

"The second was listening to the poetic and stirring comments of
Peter Boylston Adams (a seventh generation descendant of John and
Abigail), both in his public remarks and the conversation I had with
him after the ceremony.  We share a profound admiration of this
'Titan of Independence' (as Jefferson named him).  Adams was an
erudite man of deep principle, with the courage of his convictions.

"To hear once again how this ambitious lawyer risked his career to
defend the British soldiers of the 'Boston Massacre' further enhanced
the joy of seeing President Adams finally receive his place of honor
on our coinage.

"Another aspect of Adam's character that seemed to reveal itself more
clearly in Quincy was that he set the archetype for the Presidents who
were not aristocrats or war heroes such as George Washington. His was
another type of greatness, born of hard work, study, scholarship and
statesmanship.

"Third was the trolley tour of the Adams National park, where my wife
and I were treated to a very informative guided journey through the
generations of this great family's history in what is now named Quincy.
This served to bring the man, his strivings, his character and place
in history to life, much the way David McCullough's biography had done,
but with tangible immediacy and intimacy.

"All in all, for an artist who wishes to tell an important story and
for his art to be part of the permanent public record, this day will
be cherished as long as I live.

"One last impression - John Adams spoke of how he wished that our
Independence Day celebrations should be filled with music and parades
and sports and fireworks etc. This sunny day had everything to make
President Adams smile with delight."

[Many thanks to Joel for sharing his thoughts with us.   The Bank
of England stubbornly refuses to release any of the Adams dollars,
so I'll have to wait for my visit back to the states next weekend
to look for one of the new coins.  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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