About This Stamp
Bioluminescence — the ability of some living things to generate their own light — occurs on many branches of the tree of life. With this sheet of 20 stamps, the U.S. Postal Service® showcases 10 examples of Bioluminescent Life.
Eight stamp images represent the work of some of the top explorers of the bioluminescent ocean realm, and two portray land-based species. The stamps feature: deep-ocean octopus (photo by Edith Widder); midwater jellyfish (photo by Edith Widder); deep-sea comb jelly (photo by Edith Widder); mushroom (photo by Taylor F. Lockwood); firefly (photo by Gail Shumway); bamboo coral (photo by Edith Widder); marine worm (photo by Edith Widder); crown jellyfish (photo by Edith Widder); a second type of marine worm (photo by Steve Haddock); and sea pen (photo by Edith Widder).
The pane contains 20 stamps, two of each design. At center top, the selvage features a transparent deep-sea comb jelly (photo by Gregory G. Dimijian), surrounded by images of the firefly squid (photo by Danté Fenolio). The title “BIOLUMINESCENT LIFE” appears on the selvage above the pane of stamps.
The stamp pane was produced using a rainbow holographic material that is highly reflective in white light. The print files were created using special techniques to enhance the reflective qualities of the material while maintaining the depth of color and detail of the individual stamp images. When the stamp pane was printed, the rainbow pattern created a sense of movement and light to the pane.
Bioluminescence among land-based species is relatively rare, but in the darkness of the deep ocean, where little or no sunlight penetrates, the phenomenon reigns supreme. Bioluminescent creatures use light to lure food, find mates, or to fend off predators.
Familiar to people over much of the world, fireflies provide scientists with easy means by which to investigate “living light.” Medical science has benefited tremendously from such study. Using the genes that enable bioluminescence, scientists can now make a cancer cell glow, then track its function and reproduction. Similar research is also vital to fighting Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, anemia, malaria, HIV, and many other diseases.
Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps and selvage with existing photographs.
The Bioluminescent Life stamps were issued as Forever® stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.
Stamp Art Director, Designer, and Typographer
Derry Noyes
For more than 40 years Derry Noyes has designed and provided art direction for close to 800 United States postage stamps and stamp products. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Hampshire College and a master of fine arts degree from Yale University.
Noyes worked as a graphics designer at Beveridge and Associates, a Washington, D.C., firm, until 1979 when she established her own design firm, Derry Noyes Graphics. Her clients have included museums, corporations, foundations, and architectural and educational institutions. Her work has been honored by American Illustration, the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, Communication Arts, Critique magazine, Graphis, Creativity International, and the Society of Illustrators.
Before becoming an art director for the U.S. Postal Service, she served as a member of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee from 1981 to 1983.
Noyes is a resident of Washington, D.C.