A year ago, Posta, as the first Nordic postal service, issued NFT stamps. The motif was the four seasons, beautifully depicted by artist Heiðrik á Heygum. And now, the beautiful illustrations are being released as regular stamps, albeit this time arranged in a sheet with lovely floral borders.
About the inspiration for the issue, Heiðrik á Heygum says:
“The Faroese Post Office approached me with an intriguing task: to design stamps that capture the essence of our four distinct seasons. Eager to celebrate our unique cultural identity, I drew inspiration from the intricate floral embroidery found in our traditional Faroese outfits. Incorporating signature flowers and seasonal animals into the designs, I aimed to create stamps that truly reflect the spirit of the Faroe Islands.
Opting for a black background was a deliberate choice, echoing the traditional Faroese national costume, often adorned with flowers against a dark backdrop. This decision not only pays homage to our heritage but also serves to accentuate the vibrant colors of the flowers, creating a visually striking composition that embodies the traditional Faroese aesthetic.
Each season in the Faroe Islands is marked by the presence of specific animals, further enriching the symbolism of the stamps. Spring welcomes the birth of lambs and the return of our national bird, the oystercatcher. Summer sees the return of the Atlantic puffin and northern gannet to our shores. In autumn, sheep are slaughtered, and we hunt for the northern fulmar. Finally, winter brings the transformation of the Faroese hare’s fur to white and the tradition of rearing geese for Christmas.
These seasonal nuances add depth and richness to the narrative depicted in the stamp designs, offering a profound connection to our island’s natural rhythms and traditions.”
