Nancy designed this label for Planet Pluto wine.
“What’s in a name? The rejection of planetary status for Pluto by the International Working Group for Planetary Systems Nomenclature stands as a chilling example of our 20th Century twisted thought process. “Planet” is a very old term which means “wanderer,” thus any heavenly body which failed to conform to Aristotle’s theory which required precise orbit around the Earth every 24 hours. Like all other bodies in the solar system, Pluto qualifies as a planet, despite what contemporary revisionist scientists may say. It’s our language, not theirs!” Clark Smith, Winemaker.
Planet Pluto Meritage
Artist’s Statement:
I am pleased to participate in this endeavor to honor Pluto (which has been absurdly demoted to a dwarf planet by the IAU) and re-recognize Pluto as a major planet in our solar system! As an artist who specializes in creating social commentary artworks, winemaker Clark Smith invited me to create an image for a meritage wine label he would call “Planet Pluto.” I began my process by first researching the scientific reports which led to Pluto’s reclassification. I then immersed myself in astronomical representations from books and from NASA and Hubble websites. To further develop a feel for “space”, I attended several planetarium presentations. At this point, based on the researched images, I created a number of drawings/collages, which I then scanned into my computer. I proceeded in an extensive process experimenting with my images in Photoshop. Clark then selected the Planet Pluto image artwork from among the finished artworks I presented. This artwork is meant to capture Pluto’s mysterious, powerful, and awe-inspiring essence!
Nancy Worthington, M.F.A.