Denis Brown - Demo Close-up

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

Denis Brown at Island Magic

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!

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].

Countdown to Island Magic

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!