Notes: a Calligraphic Journal

Welcome, 2012!

2012-01-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

This video by Ponte Ryuurui, of Chiba, Japan, seems like a good way to wecome The Year of the Dragon!

Commercial Lettering

2011-03-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

The past year has been one in which I’ve not spent as much time as I’d like doing “pure” calligraphy. However, in my work as a graphic designer, some lettering projects have come up. Here's a few:

101 ways to create ‘magic’

2010-09-06T21:16:00.001-07:00

A cheerful movie by Louis Lemoine, known to many of us as “The Magic Man.” Louis writes, “This movie shows the word ‘magic’ calligraphed 101 different ways using either a brush, pen, marker or pencil. I did one a day, taking weekends, holidays and vacation time off. Hope you enjoy it. If you get a chance visit my website: www.louislemoine.com or my blog: louislemoine.tumblr.com.”

The Magic of Vitaly Shapovalov

2010-07-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

One challenge all calligraphers face at some point is how to successfully integrate text and image. Calligraphy tends to be such a strong visual force that combining it with images often leads to dissonance between the image and text. I remember once picking up a book about calligraphy and flowers, only to marvel at how calligraphy and flowers can clash!

But, along comes Vitaly Shapovalov — a Russian calligrapher, illustrator and graphic designer who makes it look oh-so-natural. His calligraphic style is fluid and he adjusts the contours to reflect to the content of his illustration. He has been posting his work on facebook, and admiring calligraphers from around the world are taking note. Just when we think we've seen it all, he posts another album of his work and we are blown away again! Enough from me, here is some of his work (double-click on image to see larger):

Vitaly is actively involved in Russia’s International Exhibition of Calligraphy, and more of his work can be seen here.

Out of Africa – Beach Calligraphy

2010-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Out of South Africa comes the truly unique work of Andrew van der Merwe – beach calligraphy, he calls it. Andrew writes about his work: “If a calligrapher is someone who loves writing, then I have been a calligrapher since my very first writing lessons. Or is it just a love for women? I dunno but I did think the teacher who gave me all those gold stars was beautiful! Either way, it wasn’t women who had me breaking my academic trajectory in philosophy and politics, but calligraphy. To help pay my way, I started freelancing while I was at university and went full time soon after that.

I also love the surf and the beach and have always enjoyed scratching words in the sand with sticks. Sticks make more of a mess than a mark, so this led to the special shaping of the sticks and to the development of various instruments to achieve better results and ultimately to ways of cutting the sand out to leave a neat V. The V was a great discovery, not only for its neatness and shadow, but because it sets up a lovely contrast between the typical, permanent V of stone carving and the wonderful, temporal quality of the beach calligraphy.

I also developed ways of avoiding footprints, and this is often what impresses people most, but for me the real challenge remains getting the letter forms good. Any calligrapher will understand that!”

Above is just a small sampling of his work. He has more online at www.behance.net/beachscriber, and you can buy prints at www.beachscriber.artfire.com or www.beachscriber.imagekind.com.

Lost Emails!

2010-01-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday season, I was checking my email on remote computers and had a few inquiries and questions about calligraphy come through. I planned to answer them when I returned home, but found, to my dismay, that they had disappeared from my Inbox. If you wrote recently, and had no reply [how rude!] - please accept my apology and try again!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T17:55:00.001-08:00

The International Exhibition of Calligraphy, Russia

2009-10-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Since starting this blog, I have become more aware of global reach of calligraphy. This month, Moscow is hosting The II International Exhibition of Calligraphy. Look at this list of participants! There’s hours of online exploration here! Or choose to view the gallery. An incredible range of work showing the international appeal of the letter arts.

Morning Dervish

2009-07-08T23:11:00.001-07:00

On a good morning — those mornings when I don’t stumble directly to the kitchen for coffee — I start the day with the five Tibetan Rites. The first rite is whirling, like a dervish. And so Morning Dervish came to be.

This dervish has now whirled south to be a part of an exhibition at the Naples Museum of Art, entitled The Saint John’s Bible and the Art of the Book. Needless to say, it is honored to participate!

New work-in-progress

2009-06-28T21:53:00.001-07:00

Sneak preview of some of new work — quite experimental at this point. I’ve recently taken an acrylic painting course with Timothy Hoey (Tim Rocks!) and he helped me start moving in a new direction with glazes and textures... fun!

Natural Calligraphy

2009-06-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

At first glance, calligraphy seems to be so focussed on the man-made. Drawn or pen-made letters, philosophical quotes, rulers and grids. We study the history of letters, which intertwines with the history of today’s dominant cultures.

Because I draw so much inspiration from nature, I’ve often wondered why I don’t paint watercolour landscapes or florals or pet portraits? Why am I so strongly drawn to letterforms? Why, when I doodle, is it inevitably a letter? Something so removed from the natural world.

Or is it? Recently, I've been paying attention to the many shapes in nature that mimic calligraphy. Or rather the many shapes in nature that contemporary calligraphy mimics! Sit back and look at the photos at right — the calligraphic shapes are obvious, but take it one step further and identify a contemporary calligrapher who uses these forms in their work — the relationship is surprisingly easy to see!

Perhaps what we seek in our calligraphy is the replication of nature’s casual grace, simplicity of pattern or riot of texture. For all the years of human design history, nature still leads us forward with an ever-changing environment filled with inspiration.

Calligraphic Cross-Training

2009-03-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

There’s much talk in the calligraphic world about freedom vs. discipline — and mini-battles sometimes take place between those who advocate disciplined, legible work and those who prefer expressive, abstract and/or illegible work.

It seems to me that calligraphers — more than most artists — are like athletes. Our work depends on years of disciplined practice, but comes down to “a performance”, a given moment when tool touches down on paper, vellum or canvas. A crucial moment because ink is indelible. Too loose and we make a mess. Too tight and the performance appears strained.

So, like athletes, are we not wise to cross-train? Like a runner who lifts weights, we can retain freshness, balance and longevity if we vary our workouts. Sometimes, a disciplined workshop where we focus on form, later a crazy experiment which may or may not work. Always, at the end, a bit of analysis of what worked and what didn’t.

Yes, there is the risk of the inexperienced calligrapher who might “injure” themselves by flourishing long before they have the skill to pull it off, just as a runner might strain a muscle. It will set back their career, leave them floundering for a bit. But it is also part of the process of learning to find the sweet spot where spontaneity meets control and the results soar.

Welcome to Calligraffia

2009-02-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

A team of our friends down under are launching a new calligraphy blog, Calligraffia which will feature “calligraphy news, views, reviews, interviews & how-tos” from around the globe.

Their launch today, February 13th, coincides with the first anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, and the first posting is an interview (by blogger, Rhonda Ayliffe) with calligrapher, Gemma Black, who scribed the motion for the Australian Parliament — an interesting read.

Canada’s Golden Book

2009-02-01T18:56:00.001-08:00

Like my Grandmother, and others who love to entertain, Canada has a guestbook. It is called “Canada’s Golden Book” and is signed by visiting heads of state. A page for a visiting dignitary includes a illumination of their national flag, their name and date of the visit. (Apologies that I don’t have better quality photos.) When I was in Ottawa last November, I met one of the scribes who has done many of the inscriptions, Judith Jaimet Bainbridge. Judith’s clients have included the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decorations, The Heraldry Authority of the Governor-Gerneral, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Secretary of State. Her work graces the Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance and the document granting the Coat of Arms of the Territory of Nunavut.

Judith’s work on Canada’s Golden Book started with the entry for Bill and Hillary Clinton and ended with the 50th anniversary for Queen Elizabeth. She’s now retired, and spending her time with other interesting projects. In March, she’ll be coming here to Victoria to give a presentation and two-day workshop for members of the Fairbank Calligraphy Society. We eagerly anticipate her arrival!

Psst. And a little bird tells me that Canada’s Golden Book is being prepared for the first visit of President Barack Obama by calligrapher, Karen Mackay and heraldic artist, Debra Macgarvie.

Sunshine from Susan Richardson

2009-01-25T11:39:00.001-08:00

In the midst of a cold Canadian winter, it is nice to travel, mentally, to sunnier climes. I can get a shot of warmth looking at the work of SanDiego-based artist and calligrapher, Susan Richardson. Susan and I sat side-by-side at the Island Magic Conference in 2007, and she is as warm and interesting as her work. She’s recently updated her website and added an online store where she sells giclee prints at very reasonable prices! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:12:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

The Calligraphy of Anna Zhao

2008-11-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

I recently had a lovely visit from Richmond’s Anna Zhao, who studies and practices calligraphy in the Shou Jin style. She came bearing gifts — including this gorgeous fan on which she had written my name.

She gave me this background information: The ‘Shou Jin’ style (literal translation being “slender gold”) was developed by empire Zhao Jie of the Song dynasty from AD1082-1135.

He was a very talented artists gifted in various forms of artwork including water colour painting and stamps. He was also known to have hosted many events promoting and celebrating various forms of art. The ‘Shou Jin’ style was carried on to his son Zhao Gou who further developed the structure and appearance.

Zhao Jie and his son Zhao Gou are regarded as an odd pair in Chinese history because it was rare for a father and his son to become calligraphers when being a part of a Chinese royal family. Although they are well respected and admired by millions of Chinese today for their art, they were both bad with dealing with country affairs. That is the reason for the idiomatic saying “Doing things as badly as the empire of the Song dynasty” we often hear today.

Thank you, Anna!

Unsung Heros, Unsung Scribes

2008-11-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Strangely, it didn’t occur to me that when the Calligraphy Society of Ottawa invited me to teach a two-day workshop, that I’d be meeting Canada’s “national scribes”. Perhaps that was for the best. Had I understood that earlier, I would have been very intimidated by those in attendence at my evening slide presentation and weekend workshop!

Though I had been to Ottawa many times, I confess I had never visited our national Memorial Chamber located in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, and was unaware of The Books of Remembrance displayed there.

I had a day to spend in Ottawa, and my excellent hostess, Pat Gregoire, whisked me off to ‘The Hill’ to see the books, chatting to me about the scribes who wrote them and sharing anecdotes about their work. It was a beautiful November day, just several days prior to Remembrance Day, and the green lawns of Parliament Hill were full of visitors. But in the vaulted Memorial Chamber, we grew quiet while examining the books — marvelling at the craftsmanship, but also keenly aware of the larger significance of these massive volumes — each and every name represents one life lost in service to our country.

As a scribe, I can well imagine the enormity of taking on such a task. First of all, nerves of steel are required. Though these pages are intentionally simple when compared to some manuscripts (we’re SO Canadian!), each page still involves painstaking hours of work — including watercolour illustrations, heraldic paintings and illumination.

Pat examined the pages closely, picking out the penmanship of various scribes. We don’t know all the names of the scribes involved, but we do know that John Whitehead, the founder of the Calligraphy Society of Ottawa, was both a scribe and mentor to the calligraphers who work on the books today.

I will be writing more about these books — their depth and historic importance deserve more than one blog post. But I will sign off this post urging anyone visiting Ottawa to take some time for The Peace Tower. If you’re Canadian, like me, your impression of Parliament Hill may be largely set by bickering politicians on the evening news.

Who knew the pride and pleasure of being Canadian could be rekindled by an impromptu visit to ‘The Hill’?!

___
Shown above, top to bottom:
The Second World War Book of Remembrance honours over 44,800 Canadians who died in the 1939-1945 war.
The South Africa - Nile Expedition Book of Remembrance contains the names of 283 soldiers killed between 1899 and 1902, and 1884-85 respectively.
The Newfoundland Book of Remembrance honours the 2,363 Newfoundlanders who died during World War 1 and World War 2.
The In the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance, the most recent book added in the Memorial Chamber honours those who continued a Canadian tradition of selflessness and courage and offered the supreme sacrifice in the military service of our country since October 1947.

Sue Fraser: A Tribute

2008-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Calligraphers, at least most of them that I know, are a pretty laid back bunch. So when I started attending the events of the Fairbank Calligraphy Society, Sue Fraser quickly stood out. She was the one making wisecracks in the serious meetings, sat at the rowdiest table at our yearly YellowPoint gathering, and just generally lightened the mood of any room she entered. She also stood out as a talented watercolourist and calligrapher.

A trip to Tuscany in 2006 resulted in a spectacular watercolour journal of over 30 pages. (Two pages are shown above.)

Sadly, my friendship with Sue was relatively short... we lost her to cancer this summer... but even while ill, she was planning a party. So, last weekend, along with her family, friends and members of both the West Coast Calligraphy Society and Fairbank Society, I attended the Celebration of Life for Susan Logie Fraser.

Sue’s calligraphy on the invitation included these words, “I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one... I’d like to leave an after-glow of smiles when life is done, I’d like to leave an echo whispering soft down the way... ”

What a bittersweet event – there were tears and laughter as we remembered Sue. Her plans for the day included members of the Fairbank Society creating weathergrams (tags on which were written memories of Sue) which we hung on a potted tree and gave to her husband, Chris. There was excellent music, (including an original tribute composed by her son-in-law) wine and food, and lots of Sue’s wonderful art. Sue’s young grandchildren handed out cards featuring her calligraphy, to each guest. I received the one shown below, “Do not stand by my grave and weep...”

As I put the final touches on plans to teach in Ottawa in November – teaching a workshop that Sue first suggested I teach and helped me to organize, I have to pause and think of Sue. And smile. In her after-glow.

Ibrahim Abu-Touq

2008-10-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

More beautiful Islamic art, this time the work of Jordanian calligrapher, Ibrahim Abu-Touq. This piece is called "Disappeared 1".

Cleaning your Pilot Parallel Pen

2008-09-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I recently had a question from Anonymous on cleaning pens, so I’m linking to a recipe for Pen & Brush cleaner which I found on Mary Lawler’s blog. I normally clean my nibs by soaking them in solution of glass cleaner (which contains ammonia) and water. This looks like a stronger version of that, which I’ll try if I have a major pen problem. Another option is Spray Nine, which works really well when a strong pen cleaner is needed.

Also, Anonymous, take your Pilot Parallel pen apart as far as possible... that means right down to pulling out the two metal plates which form the nib. Soak the parts, then rinse and reassemble. Should work.

Another reader also suggested using a ultrasonic cleaner, which I haven't yet tried, but which sounds great.

More Malik

2008-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

For those visitors who listened to our CBC radio interview, here’s a direct link to the pages of Malik Anas, who continues to produce amazing contemporary Iraqi calligraphy.

Monograms

2008-09-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve been creating monograms lately ... using the 6.0mm Pilot Parallel pen and my favorite colour of J.Herbin ink, “Ambre de Birmanie”. Some letters are just so much fun! Like N and K.

On Air!

2008-09-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sheryl Mackay, host of CBC Radio’s “North by Northwest” program tells me our “calligraphy conversation” will be on-air tomorrow just after the 7:00 news. So if you’re up at that hour, tune in!

Summer’s over... back to work

2008-09-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I’ve been neglecting this blog! Blame it on the sunshine, the lure of a Canadian summer... maybe too much time spent on facebook or youtube...

Anyway, summer is pretty much over, so I’ll start sharing some of the new links and work I’ve discovered. Let's start with the interesting work of Nikheel Aphale (not Nikhil!) of New Delhi, India. His blog felt so familiar to me... and I love his pieces which combine photography and calligraphy, like this.

Letters in the blood?

2008-06-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

This weekend, I will be exploring my roots: heading east to meet with my family in Ontario, then south to a family reunion in Carlisle, PA, where I was born. I hope to learn a bit more about one of my ancestors: John Bear (1761-1836) who was a scrivener in Berks County, PA. Some of his documents are stored in the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg.

Which leaves me wondering: this strange interest in letters I have — which seems quite out of place compared to the interests of other members of my family(!) — does it possibly run in the blood? I wonder if any other calligraphers out there have discovered a link to an earlier scribe? Would love to hear from you if you have.

Calligraphy on CBC Radio...

2008-05-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

On Saturday (05/31/08), I head to Vancouver to speak with Sheryl Mackay of CBC's North by Northwest radio program. I’m not sure when our taping will air, but it could be as soon as Sunday morning. I’ll post it here as soon as I know... ! [Link]

My first gilding!

2008-04-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

I just sent an email to Georgia Angelopoulos, writing ‘I WANT MORE GOLD!’ I’m not usually so demanding(!), but I just completed the homework for Georgia’s class, and my first semi-successful attempt at gilding. I’m hooked. Georgia had been asking if we wanted her to order some gold leaf for us... and, until I finished this piece, I wasn’t that keen on it... but now, I DO want more! More, so I can continue to learn how to use it — it’s fickle material — and more so I can re-do this piece properly. For now, it stands, full of ‘lessons learned’ as my first piece of gilding... and though I clearly have a lot to learn about gilding, the overall ‘feel’ of the piece is really enhanced by the gold.

Thanks, Georgia, for bringing out the traditionalist in me! (I wasn’t sure there was one!) Next, of course, there will be the challenge of learning how to photograph gilded work...

Uncials and Beyond...

2008-04-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Fairbank Calligraphy Society is conducting an 8-week course led by Georgia Angelopoulos, with Lorraine Douglas, Kathy Guthrie and myself contributing. The focus is on uncials, and it’s been fun to revisit these letterforms with Georgia as a guide. Above is my homework assignment... text is Enya’s lyrics, “Pilgrim”. I wish I had taken my camera to class, because all the work of the students laid out together was very impressive!

Russian Calligraphy: Free Book to Download

2008-03-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

[Laughing] I’ve been enjoying Leonid Pronenko’s book, “Russian Calligraphy: One Teacher, 222 Students”. It is available as a free download from operina.com and also as a purchase through amazon.com. Of course it is interesting to see some of the work coming out of Russia, but I really enjoyed his amusing anecdotes from his years as a teacher. Enjoy!

Yves Leterme’s New Site

2008-03-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

— Sigh — That is my response after browsing through Yves Leterme’s recently updated website. It’s gorgeous, his work is awesome, will my letters ever be that fluid? Those Belgians!

Incidentially, Prince Philippe of Belgium is planning a visit to British Columbia – today, I wrote his name in the Province’s Distinguished Visitor’s Book. Very formal, somewhat stiff, very appropriate. I suppose the Prince is familiar with the beautiful work coming out of his own country. Seems we Canadians have some catching up to do!

SongLines

2008-02-24T22:37:00.000-08:00

I’ve been spending far too much time on YouTube lately, watching music videos. I love lots of new music, but it’s also great rediscovering the recordings that played in the background of my childhood and teen years... and of course I fall in love with the lyrics all over and am compelled to do them in calligraphy. Posted here are closeups of some of the work. Can you guess the songs?

Pure Indulgence: French Inks

2008-02-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Lately, I’ve been playing with J. Herbin inks. Seduced by the beautiful bottles (with an elegant groove in the front for resting your pen), I picked up some of these fountain pen inks at my local art store, Island Blue. I realize these inks are dye-based and not necessarily light-fast, so shouldn't be considered for any serious calligraphic masterpieces. But, with colours like “Poussière de Lune” (Moon Dust), “Terre de Feu” (Ground of Fire) and “Ambré de Birmanie” (Amber of Burma), they’re hard to resist! So I’m enjoying them while I practice or do work for reproduction... they’re really quite lovely. I haven’t yet succumbed to “Les Subtiles”, the scented versions, but they are tempting me! I may lose all respect for myself as a serious calligrapher if I start using a rose-scented ink. LOL!

New work - Awaken

2008-01-31T06:56:00.001-08:00

I’m back to ink on paper again (rather than acrylic on canvas) and doing more banners on Strathmore Ridge paper. The ribbed surface of the paper gives a wonderful effect, though the grooves can make calligraphy tricky!

This piece measures 10" high by 23" wide and is for sale at my etsy shop. (Click image to enlarge.)

How to Refill a Pilot Parallel Pen cartridge

2008-01-30T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here’s a diagram from my class notes for StrongLines, suggesting an easy way to refill an empty a Pilot Parallel pen ink cartridge. (Click on image to enlarge.)

New sites for the new year...

2008-01-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

I’ve noticed a few updated sites in early 2008 - John Stevens has updated his site, as has Sophie Verbeek. There’s lots of inspiring work to explore on both sites.

Letter Arts Review, Vol. 22, No. 2

2008-01-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

A nice way to start 2008: just received Letter Arts Review, Issue 22:2, with the artwork of Liesbet Boudens (“Op een dag”) on the front cover, and my triptych, “Reason and Passion” on the back. Editor and Art Director, Christopher Calderhead has designed yet another outstanding issue, and it is a real honor to have my work featured in it.

It reminds me of discovering my first issue of LAR (at that time called Calligraphy Review) about 20 years ago, at a book store in Toronto, and thinking, “Someday I’d like to do that.” I had always been attracted to calligraphy, but had never seen lettering art done so creatively or taken so seriously. I dragged that first issue with me everywhere, and I still have it today...

Not that the journey needed to take 20 years(!) – in many of those years there was no time for calligraphy. But in the back of my mind, it was always something I hoped to do, “someday”. So, what a thrill to have work on the back cover! Next goal: the front cover :). Think I can manage that in the next 10 years?!

Here comes 2008!

2007-12-31T13:28:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a great year in 2008! If you haven’t seen it, here’s a link to Denis Brown’s New Years video. It can also be accessed from his site at www.quillskill.com.

Joyeux Noël

2007-12-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Georgia Angelopoulos

2007-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

It’s my pleasure to point you to the brand-new website of Georgia Angelopoulos, an incredibly gifted member of our Fairbank Calligraphy Society. Georgia is a calligraphic scholar and purist (unlike myself :). She was taught by Micheal Hemming, making her a part of the Johnstonian tradition, and she loves to work with historical materials - vellum, parchment, gold leaf, etc. Her work is classical and tactile... it begs to be seen ‘in the flesh’ to be fully appreciated. She is also a gifted teacher and writer. Okay, enough of my raving... go enjoy her site!

Calligraphy Practice Sheets - Pilot Parallel Pen

2007-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

I love the Pilot Parallel Pen!

Yes, I fill it with my own ink, and I’m just waiting for the day when they decide to sell empty cartridges for it. In the meantime, I use the provided ink for practice... and I’ve found that Xerox Premium Inkjet paper (not to be confused with Premium Laser paper) works great for practice. I’ve created guidelines for each pen size, which you can download, print off on your Inkjet printer and use as practice sheets. Or, if you prefer, use under a sheet of paper. (You can just barely see them through a piece of Xerox Premium Inkjet paper.)

Each one of these pdf’s contains two pages. The first one is designed to be used for Foundational, Blackletter, Carolingian or Neuland, the second page can be used for Italic, Fraktur and Roman Caps. Print at 100% for accurate sizing, though depending on your printer margins, the edges might cut off. Scale to fit page and they’re just a bit smaller, but seem to work well, too.
You can download the guides here.

[ Note: after this post was published, a reader pointed out, quite correctly, that there are several types of Xerox Premium Inkjet paper - the brightness differs, and it does affect how the paper takes ink. When I wrote this post, Xerox made a paper with brightness of 113 which worked beautifully, but it is no longer available. But experimentation has taught me that the higher the brightness, the better the paper works for this purpose. A brightness of 98 will work, but a brightness of 100 or 113 will work better! So get the highest you can! ]

Strong Lines in Edmonton

2007-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Edmonton Calligraphic Society, for inviting me to Edmonton, Alberta to teach “Strong Lines”, a 2-day workshop based on the Pilot Parallel Pen. It was a great experience and my first trip to Edmonton. Here’s the group - heads down and hard at work. Thanks to Barb Pankratz for being a wonderful hostess, and allowing me to bypass the West Edmonton Mall (my niece has disowned me for that choice!) and take a stroll in the scenic Whitemud Creek Ravine, instead! And for the best sushi (at Sushi Wasabi) that I’ve ever tasted! (Who knew Edmonton had amazing sushi?!)

Ikuko Asami

2007-10-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

A mutual fan of both Martin Jackson and Denis Brown is Ikuko Asami, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Island Magic. A visit to Ikuko’s blog recently showed me that she’s been busy working with the layering and polyrhythmic exercises that Denis is teaching. I can't read her blog (naturally, it’s written in Japanese), but I can see what she’s been up to, read an English word here and there, and laugh as I try to add comments using Japanese buttons! Love this calligraphic lamp that Ikuko created. It is very interesting to me that western calligraphy is so popular in Japan, as being demonstrated by an exhibition, “East Writes West” is being held this fall in Bruges, Belgium.

Autumn Open House at the Guthrie’s

2007-10-08T17:15:00.001-07:00

I’m busy pulling work together for an Autumn Open House at John and Kathy Guthrie’s home in Victoria. Here’s the invitation... would love to see you there!

Design and Layout with Martin Jackson

2007-10-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

This was my first time in the class of the Vancouver-based calligrapher, Martin Jackson, and it was an enjoyable and inspiring weekend. Martin’s work is a reminder of the power of simplicity. He is a gentle, encouraging and humorous teacher, and I think all participants gained valuable insights... the final work done by the class was very impressive. But what I really liked was this photo of Martin’s shoes. (He obligingly showed off his colourful socks, as well.) Seems to say something about the personality behind the beautiful letterforms!

We all know Martin collects butterflies, (and often includes exquisitely painted butterflies in his work), but who knew he collected colourful socks as well!?

Martin Jackson

2007-09-23T21:38:00.001-07:00

I’m looking forward to an upcoming workshop with Martin Jackson. I just met Martin at Island Magic, where I purchased this original work from him. As you can see if you visit his site, his work is sold out right now, so I was lucky to get this. (Nearly lost it to Georgia Angelopoulos!) Martin does beautiful, classic calligraphy.

Responding to our World

2007-08-26T18:57:00.001-07:00

Thanks to David Chang for sending me photos of the display which included my work in the Connecticut show, Responding to our World: Words, Images, Gestures. David was at the accompanying intensive, studying with German calligrapher and type designer, Gottfried Pott. Lucky David!

The Human Touch

2007-08-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I delivered a completed commission to a client. I was nervous – the client is a graphic designer and typography teacher, and the quote was to be a gift to her husband, marking several important occasions in their lives. She had provided a quote but left the development of the art up to me – and I had been worrying for days that it might not hit the mark – or rather, that it might not resonate personally with her or her husband.

We met in a coffee shop in the middle of both our busy workdays, and I unwrapped the canvas, heart in throat. There was silence... and I was sure I hadn’t hit the mark... what then? But then I saw that she was choked - literally couldn’t speak and there was a glimmer of tears in her eyes. She finally choked out, “it’s beautiful”.

I couldn't have asked for a better reaction. It is always a challenge to bring someone else’s vision to life. Success is doing it in a way that not only satisfies them, but also touches them. I walked on a cloud for the rest of the day.

Her reaction also speaks volumes about the power of calligraphy – the power of the handwritten word or mark to affect other humans. I work in advertising, and we present creative to clients regularly – often strong concepts and powerful ideas, beautifully executed. I’ve not seen even the strongest work affect a client so immediately, yet this reaction has been surprisingly common when I work on calligraphy commissions. We all know there is tremendous power in Adobe Creative Suite – it’s great to see that there remains a unique and powerful quality to letters made with the human touch. It makes me re-commit to the demanding discipline of calligraphy!

Denis Brown - Demo Close-up

2007-08-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

A closer look at the process demonstrated by Denis, top photo, below.

Denis Brown at Island Magic

2007-07-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

When Denis Brown picks up a pen, the room becomes silent. Even a room full of chattering women becomes absolutely still, with everyone watching intently. There is nothing but the sound of the pen nib, and quick intakes of breath from the audience.

Denis’ demos were the highlight of an excellent class, “Developing Expression in Calligraphy”, in which he lead us through rather grueling exercises with drawn monoline romans, which lead to exploring texture, and ended with a fun exercise where we created calligraphic marks to musical rhythms. Informative, inspiring and enjoyable - the week flew past as quickly as Denis’ penstrokes.

What I’m left with: a desire to really work on the rhythm and ‘fluency’ of my own calligraphy (and new ideas on how to approach this), and many new things to consider in terms of creating depth and texture in a calligraphic work. This is certainly something Denis has achieved with his incredible glass art.

Island Magic is On!

2007-07-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Island Magic is now on! We all feel like we’re at Hogwarts, in this Shawnigan Lake School setting. This is my third day of classes with Denis Brown. His luggage still hasn’t arrived, meaning he is teaching without any support materials or his own pens (and in borrowed clothes!). Yet because of his extensive knowledge, it seems not to be an issue... he truly is a master in his field. What a privilege to be in his class.

Adding to the ambience... the low sound of drums, coming from a participant [middle photo] who discovered a special spot near one of the ponds, where she played, hidden by tall grasses. Classmate Francie Bredeson leaves the dining hall [bottom photo].

Gift from Baghdad

2007-07-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

I opened my email this morning to find a special gift from my calligrapher friend, Malik Anas Al-Rajab. This is my name, Alice Young in Arabic, written by Haidar Rabee, a well-known Iraqi calligrapher (Malik’s teacher) and embellished by Malik. Of course I love it!

New website!

2007-07-15T00:50:00.001-07:00

Have a look at my new, improved website at www.calligraphy.ca. You can now purchase original pieces of calligraphy by credit card or direct cash payment via PayPal! Keep watching this site – I intend to keep refining it...

Countdown to Island Magic

2007-06-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

One month until Island Magic is hosted here at Shawnigan Lake School! I can't believe my good fortune that this conference landed on my doorstep! I’m looking forward to a week of study with Denis Brown.

While I run with my dog on the fringes of the campus, I’ve never ventured onto the campus proper... but I did go in quietly this morning with my camera... I think all attendees will enjoy staying here. It feels like a bit of Britain in the middle of rural British Columbia! They’ve been getting ready for you - there’s new buildings going up, and I think they’re new dorms, so if you’re staying on-site, you might have some brand new residences to stay in. (Can anyone in Warmland confirm that?)

Looking forward to seeing you in British Columbia!

More Fred

2007-06-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

More work done by Fred Salmon - this one a drawn copperplate. Classic.

Coffee with Fred

2007-06-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Fairbank Calligraphy Society in Victoria is blessed with several ‘elders’ - a group that tries to keep us on the straight and narrow when it comes to making good letters. Fred Salmon is one of ‘our elders’ - and I recently dropped by to talk calligraphy and type with this amazing gentleman, who spent years as a commerical lettering artist. One could easily explore his front room for hours, where calligraphy originals cover pretty much all the wall space, leaving room only for the rack of typography books, the Mac in the corner, and the table where he brought out his Cuban chocolate and coffee con leche.

These days, Fred claims to ‘hoard’ calligraphy, wine, dark chocolate, coffee and fonts. And it’s true, there’s not much room in his house for anything else! Fred has designed a playful font called “Mouse Roman” and the above sample is of one of several variations of the font. I love the serifs on this one.

Congratulations, Malik!

2007-06-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my friend, Malik Anas Al-Rajab, in Baghdad, whose work has been accepted for the Letter Arts Review 2007 Annual!

I wrote about Malik in my March 14th post. At the time, I was preparing my submission to Letter Arts Review Annual, so I asked Malik if I could help him enter his work, as well. We needed a large, high-res file for submission and since sending a CD from Iraq was pretty much out of the question, the only option was several files his uncle had on CD outside of Iraq. So, we scrambled to get them and I submitted his work along with my own. His work was accepted this issue; mine wasn’t – LOL! (It’s okay, I’m in the last two LAR Annuals and an upcoming issue! :)

I’m thrilled that Malik’s work has been recognized. Here’s hoping that by the time Review 2007 is published, the postal service is running again in Baghdad and he can see his work in print. Here’s to peace in Iraq; here’s to a young man with the presence of mind to concentrate on calligraphy in a war zone! Well done, Malik!

Calligraphy and the Mac

2007-06-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

While we often see calligraphy as a relic of the past, it continues to touch and inspire people in the present. I’ve heard references to the fact that Steve Jobs was strongly influenced by taking a calligraphy course, and he credits his exposure to calligraphy for helping shape his vision for Apple Computers. Here’s a blog entry of one of his speeches that tells the full story.

And then there’s Alice!

2007-05-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity it was to take classes with Alice. Alice’s last name is Koeth, but the calligraphic world just knows her as Alice. I quickly became ‘the other Alice’ .

Alice has done some of the strongest calligraphy out there, has had a large impact on the next generation of calligraphers, and, though long retired, she’s still contributing to the calligraphic world. She taught one class in the morning and another in the afternoon, and was still in her classroom in the late evenings, coaching and chatting. In the photos at left, she is working with Portia Fitzhugh and David Chang.

She kept us working steadily, and we designed a certificate and an award, as well as listening to her humorous anecdotes, and exploring pen exercises which led to the creation of some pretty fabulous flowers. I was amazed how much I enjoyed the flowers, thinking that flowers were not really ‘my thing.’ But as she would say, in her NY accent, “It’s not about the flaaowers. Its about knowing how to use your tools. It’s about the line.”

More Brody...

2007-05-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is for Emma - more photos, as requested!

Top two photos: Brody Neuenschwander demonstrates with a Japanese comb.

Middle: I love this shot, because, as calligraphers, we often become obsessed with ‘what tool’ made ‘what mark’... and here is Brody adding textured script to his background with what happened to be in his hand at that moment... the handle of the brush he had applied the layer of whitewash with! His process is very hands-on and spontaneous. (The piece he is working on is the piece featured in my May 14th post.)

Bottom: Brody demonstrates monoprint techniques.

Brody’s most recent book, “Textasy”, is available through John Neal Booksellers, and contains many works created using the techniques he shared with us.

New John Neal Site

2007-05-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

For any of you that haven’t yet noticed... John Neal Bookseller has launched a new and vastly improved website. It has just gotten easier to spend your money on calligraphy supplies :) Just what we needed!

The Cheerio Experience – An Overview

2007-05-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

A hilltop in North Carolina (not a mountaintop, right Amy?) might seem like a strange spot for calligraphers from across North America to converge to study with a Belgian and a New Yorker... but the serene environment really contributes to the Cheerio magic.

This was my first time at Cheerio, and for me, Cheerio worked.

This session, the teachers were Alice Koeth and Brody Neuenschwander. Alice, a lively octogenarian, is a living legend in the calligraphic world, and it was early exposure to her hand-lettered posters in Manhattan’s Morgan Library, that helped stimulate Brody’s interest in calligraphy. So they were a fitting and complementary team. That was apparent as soon as they traded good-natured jabs in our introductory meeting. Alice’s approach, disciplined and full of integrity, and Brody’s approach, intuitive and exploratory, were a great combination for the eager students present.

The pace was intense, with both teachers having lots of information to cover in our too-short time together. Almost everyone worked from dawn til after dusk, with breaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those breaks were wonderful – a time to meet new friends and put faces to the names seen in calligraphy publications. And the food – home-cooked southern foods with a touch of flair (extraordinary sauces and desserts) by the ever-popular chef, Martyn, was balanced with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

I had hoped to explore the beautiful setting, but there was little time for that, although I paused on the way between buildings to take in the stunning views or snap digital photos of the rolling hills.

Another highlight for me, was a brief meeting with John Stevens. I have admired his work since the late ’80’s, and had the chance to tell him that. He simply dropped in for dinner, and quite by chance, I ended up taking a wild, circular, calligraphic ride on the golf cart he was driving... no time to talk about letters, but memorable fun! A nice break in an intense and concentrated week.

I stayed in the dorms – something I really wasn’t looking forward to. But thanks to my fabulous ‘roomies’, it just meant coming home with two new friends. That's me with Sheila Cheek and Portia Fitzhugh, left.

For those calligraphers who have never been to Cheerio, do consider it. Your hosts, Jim and Joyce Teta, are fabulous, and southern hospitality is part of the experience. (Special thanks to Teresa, Dave and Camden!)

Brody Demonstrates

2007-05-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Top: Brody Neuenschwander demonstrates for our class at Cheerio. Brody was very generous in sharing his techniques, knowledge and creative process with our class of twenty. Bottom: I loved this demo piece – it seemed typical of the simplicity, understated colour and energetic line that is characteristic of much of his work. At the end of the demo, I asked if I could purchase the work... so now I am the happy owner of a small (14" x 14") Brody Neuenschwander original which we watched him create!

Almost Heaven, North Carolina...

2007-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so John Denver sang about West Virginia, not North Carolina, but it is the Blue Ridge mountains I’m to heading tomorrow, so those are the words in my head. Today, I am packing for a week-long workshop retreat at Cheerio with Brody Neuenschwander and Alice... the Alice of NYC.

I first saw Alice’s work back in 1988 when I purchased International Calligraphy Today, published by Watson-Guptill and featuring calligraphy as I had never seen it before. And Brody came to my attention through Peter Greenaway’s gorgeous film, The Pillow Book.

A big thanks to The Fairbank Calligraphy Society for awarding to Georgia Angelopoulos and I the Esmé Davis Bursary for 2007. I’ll be using my share to help cover expenses for this unique learning opportunity.

I’m not even sure I’ll have access to a computer at Cheerio (ouch - email withdrawal!) but I’ll post photos, etc., when I can.

Amarantine

2007-05-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas – 18" x 36"

Dark Chocolate Kisses

2007-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
Triptych: Each panel 12" x 12".

A variation on the Three Kisses posted earlier. This piece sold recently and is now in a private collection in Seattle, Washington.

Reading Ondaatje

2007-04-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas – 36" x 24".

What motivates calligraphers? At least one part is a love of words and reading. One of my favorite authors is Michael Ondaatje. When I first read The English Patient, years ago, I was mesmerized. Passages of it keep drawing me back and coming to mind when I have a pen in my hand.
This paragraph begins “And all the names of the tribes, the nomads of faith who walked in the monotone of the desert and saw brightness and faith and colour...” and further on, this starkly beautiful sentence: “We die, containing a richness of lovers and tribes, tastes we have swallowed, bodies we have plunged into and swum up as if rivers of wisdom, characters we have climbed into as if trees, fears we have hidden in as if caves...”

Yet, to attempt to interpret a piece of prose as calligraphy is daunting: does the calligrapher have anything to add to something already wonderfully written?

Soweto Gospel Choir

2007-03-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

It was my privilege to be in the front row at a performance of the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir last Thursday evening – and I’m still under their spell. I smiled throughout the 2-hour performance, except the few times I was moved to tears. Their live performance was vibrant, breath-taking, soul-touching. They are fantastic... if they come anywhere near you, do see them! I’ll be doing calligraphy while listening to their music for quite some time, even though a recording can’t match the live performance. It can, however, remind me of the power of those incredible voices!

Veiled Meaning

2007-03-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Something different: this piece is rather light, ethereal. About meaning and hidden meanings.

Reason and Passion

2007-03-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

This triptych is inspired by “On Reason and Passion”, from Kahlil Gibran’s classic book, The Prophet.

Live from Baghdad

2007-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! I’ve just discovered the work of Malik Anas. I’m amazed and impressed with the work he is doing … in Baghdad. The most original, beautiful contemporary Arabic calligraphy I’ve seen… being done in the midst of the frustrations and trials of a city under seige... truly inspiring.

José Parlá

2007-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Russ Willms sent me a link to a video clip of the Brooklyn-based artist, José Parlá. He was right in thinking I’d be interested, and I expect other calligraphers will be as well. José is blurring the lines between fine art, graffiti and calligraphy – something others have done before (Thomas Ingmire comes to mind), but the uniqueness of his writing and approach ensures that he ultimately has his own personal style.

Wet Ink

2007-03-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

I took Lorraine Douglas’ Ruling Pen and Walnut Ink Book workshop a few weekends ago, so I've been working with my ruling pen. Loved the butterfly pen, which I tried for the first time. I only wish walnut ink kept its gorgeous sheen when dry!

Victoria’s Question

2007-02-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

In response to Victoria’s question, here’s the unlikely combination of tools I used for Transcend: a 3" Chinese brush, a Speedball metal brush and a 6.0 mm Pilot parallel pen. The Chinese brush works well, but I’m still searching for the ultimate tool for larger (2" and up) calligraphy (which creates thin flourishes) – does anyone else have suggestions?

Art at Chambar

2007-02-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

This week I am finalizing five large canvases to be shown at Chambar Belgian Restaurant in Vancouver. I’m working on larger canvases than I have in the past – a stretch that feels great. Love the room to play with space on the large canvases! Most of the work will be in rich, dark colours to complement Chambar’s decor, but I wanted to do one piece mainly in black and white. This work-in-progress is a diptych which I believe I will call Transcend or Transcendence. Each panel measures 30" x 48".

NOTE: My art will be up in Chambar from May – July 2007.

Celebrating the Art of the Book

2007-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Three of my calligraphic paintings have been accepted to Pacific Festival of the Book, and will be on display March 3 - 31, 2007 at Victoria Arts Connection, 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC.

The Festival is a two day event – March 23 - 24, 2007 – which will feature integrated interdisciplinary workshops revolving around the literary arts. It includes book sellers and publishers fair, roving performers, author talks, book signings, book making demos, publisher and self-publishing workshops and children’s story telling. Young writers workshop and art exhibits celebrate the art of the book.

See you there!

My biggest fan hates my work!

2007-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is a bit off-topic, but how long can you blog without showing photos of your dog?

In February 2004, I took a week off work to find a dog – and what a dog I found! Chet was at the local SPCA, where his owners knew he was impounded and chose not to claim him. It was my lucky day.

But he really hates my work – and gives a sigh of disgust when I turn to computer or pick up a pen. After all, we could be romping outdoors, playing with his stuffed rabbit or walking the trails. I like to look at work-in-progress from across the room, and Chet has refined the technique of getting directly in my line of vision, and with his eyes, proposing we go for a walk instead... and those eyes are hard to resist!

What to do, when your biggest fan hates your work!?

Power

2007-02-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

New work:
“calmness is power”
- a quote by
James Allen.

Book of Beginnings : Close-up

2007-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Love this close-up, angled shot Werner took of Book of Beginnings, showing the texture of canvas, paint.

Kathy's Card

2007-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

Having a show brings up lots of questions - at least it did for me. Questions such as Why am I doing this? Is this all about ego? What am I trying to accomplish? So, how perfect to receive this card featuring this Emily Carr quote from Kathy Guthrie on the opening night. Thanks, Kathy!

Here’s to “a climbing and a striving for something always beyond.” I’m very excited about where calligraphy is going, and what we might discover ‘beyond’.

Opening at The Finer Things Gallery

2007-01-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

Friday evening was my first gallery opening, in a group show with Craig Bauer and Del Mark. It was a great evening, hosted by Corinne at The Finer Things Gallery in Shawnigan Lake, with Berry Port style wine tastings by Silverside Farms and chocolates by moziro. Five of my pieces sold :) The show runs through February 16th. Thanks, Werner for the above photo of a guest examining the work, and thanks to everyone who came out to share in the celebration!

Walela

2007-01-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

This is a cedar brush painting, named for the band, Walela. Walela is Cherokee for “hummingbird” and I first heard this female vocal trio on Robbie Robertson’s album, Music for the Native Americans. Their self-titled album is an old favourite of mine.

Calligraphy on CBC

2007-01-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

This just in from Whitehorse –
Hello Alice - I am a calligrapher from northern Canada, originally trained at the Roehampton Institute. I have viewed your website over several years online. I was just emailing to let you know that the CBC television programme On the Road Again is airing a short profile about me, and my interest in lettering. The programme broadcasts Thursday January 18th at 7:30 pm. Hope you can watch it.

Best wishes, Owen Williams
Whitehorse Yukon Canada

Mare, meri, ocean

2007-01-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

This is a recent commission, created for a lovely room near the ocean, with walls the colour of sand. Each panel has one word, ocean, written in Italian, Estonian and English, which reflects the cultural heritage of the owner. I tried to make each word ride a gentle, restful ocean swell.

Namaste

2007-01-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

A small piece, 10" x 10". The canvas was painted and I was looking for one word to add, when I received an email from June Maffin, signed, “Namaste”. I knew that was my word.

Namaste: An ancient Sanskrit word meaning: “I honor the place within you where the entire Universe resides. I honor the place within you of Love and Light, of Truth and Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only ONE of us”.

Also a Nepalese greeting meaning,“I salute the divine qualities in you.”

Sophie Verbeek

2007-01-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

I’ve long admired the work of French calligrapher, Sophie Verbeek, but her 2006 Chopin Series takes my breath away. Light, musical, lovely. Will I ever get her lightness of touch? I hope so. And look at her interior work (see Various) – look at that mirror – love it!

Global Calligraphy?

2007-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Maybe it was the years spent in Toronto, enjoying the multicultural vibrancy of that city; but I seem to be quite shameless in borrowing influences from calligraphers of any culture. Arabic, Asian, European - I find my work being influenced by all of them. I always hope calligraphers of these cultures are honoured (and not insulted) by this. When I do abstract work, I am always asked what language it is... quite often it is no language – just the ‘breath and the stroke’.

A Calligraphic New Year

2007-01-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

2007 looks like a ‘calligraphic new year’ for me.

In May, I’m off to Cheerio – for a week of study with Brody Nuenschwander and the Alice. What a great combination of teachers – both people whose work I have admired for years. I just couldn't pass this up. Wonder if I’ll have time to enjoy spring in the Blue Ridge mountains?

Then, in July, Island Magic, an international calligraphy conference is being hosted on my doorstep, bringing 30 teachers and 300 students to Vancouver Island. Should be another great learning experience!

First Nations Apology

2006-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Along with my abstract work, I want to do meaningful verbal work. An idea that has been in the back of my mind is to create a calligraphic piece which apologizes to First Nations for our treatment of them in the past. In conversation, almost any Canadian will agree the history is tragic, and our treatment of First Nations is shameful. But has it ever been written?

I thought if I googled “First Nations Apology”, I would find that many had been written by individuals and organizations. I was wrong. I found Doug Stelling’s apology, and one from the United Church. Two. There may be more I haven't seen... but...

Have we, as a nation, as individuals, failed to apologize for the most obvious error in our past and the pain it has caused?

If anyone out there knows of other public apologies, please let me know. I would love to create a work of art based on a poem or writing which expresses our recognition of wrongs done, and asks forgiveness.

In the meantime, I will write my own, but would love input from others...

Lorne's Card

2006-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I received this beautiful Christmas card from the inspiring Lorne Loomer, who teaches Cedar Brush painting at Metchosin Summer School of the Arts. I took Lorne's class, Brush Explorations last summer, and I highly recommend it. When registration opens (in January), the course fills up almost immediately, so you need to sign up soon if you want to get into his next class, which is in July 2007.

My world: Coffee and Canvases

2006-12-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

I’m working hard this week to get ready for my first group show at a local gallery - my work and that of two other artists will be featured. Here’s some backgrounds that I’m developing. I think every flat surface in my house has a canvas drying on it!

More Blogging Calligraphers

2006-12-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

Just happened across Beth Lee’s blog, which links to several more calligraphy blogs... hours of exploring here for curious calligraphers...
I’ve been admiring Victoria Pittman’s creative use of the Pilot Parallel pen, as featured in Parallel Pen Wizardry, by Brenda Broadbent, so it is quite cool to find her blog.

Three Kisses

2006-12-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

Here's the thing I don’t understand about my ‘calligraphic paintings’: the pieces I carefully plan generally disappoint me. However, if I make a start and then just let things happen – often making a mess, then cleaning it up – voilá – a piece I like. Go figure.

This triptych wasn’t really planned, but it became, simply ... Three Kisses. (Click on image to see detail.)

Sanctuary

2006-12-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Today, I am dropping a few pieces off at the local gallery where I exhibit my work. This simple piece, Sanctuary is a personal favourite, painted with my own bedroom wall in mind, but here it goes off to the Gallery...

Responding to our World

2006-12-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Much of my work is inspired by music. As I work, lyrics of whatever I am listening to that day, often stick in my head and ‘infuse’ the work. This painting was inspired by the Cowboy Junkies song, Darkling Days (from their 1998 album, Miles From Our Home) and I have borrowed the name for the piece. The text in this painting is abstract.

I just received word that three of my pieces, including this one, have been accepted by jurors, Thomas Ingmire and Maureen Squires for an upcoming exhibition. The show is entitled Responding to our World: Words, Images, Gestures, and will exhibit June-August 2007 at the Guilford Art Centre in Connecticut.

I am thrilled. And while I may not get to see the exhibition, I can look forward to seeing selected works published in Letter Arts Review magazine in July 2007.

Snowed In

2006-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

A good day to start a blog: we’ve had a huge snowfall here on Vancouver Island, and an early morning walk with my dog convinced me that driving is NOT a good option. So, a day to blog, and create Christmas cards for friends. This year: a simple card with traditional Fraktur and some Christmas flourishes.

A crackling fire, hot coffee, Christmas carols and cards. A good day.