Contemporary Scripts (Mike Gold: 5 day)
Skill Level: All
The workshop goal is to look beyond the traditional, formal calligraphic model to ways of lettering that are more appropriate in contemporary personal, commercial and fine art. In this class, you will see how traditional hands and scripts, as well as one’s handwriting, can provide a springboard for more contemporary scripts. You will also find that an understanding of the rules that have helped you replicate classical styles will help you create new and fresh lettering looks.
We will look at how formal pointed and broad pen scripts like Italic and Roundhand as well one’s handwriting can provide a springboard for more contemporary scripts. We will consider freely drawn and built-up letterforms. We will practice with a variety of tools (pen & brush), writing surfaces and media. We will look at some cool reference not seen in calligraphy publications. We also will explore ways to create unique lettering styles that break many or all of the traditional rules, lettering that is personal and expressive.
The opportunity to spend a week practicing contemporary scripts, rather than the two days customary in a weekend workshop, will hugely benefit anyone really wanting to add a new dimension to their craft.
Supply List: Borden&Riley Triple T Tracing paper 9×12 (or equivalent); a few sheets of Borden&Riley Layout Bond 9×12 (or equivalent); Canson MiTientes Pastel/Charcoal paper pad (soft colors) 9×12 or larger; various smooth & textured papers white and color (Arches Text Wove, Bugra, bristol, rough watercolor paper, etc); Pentel Color Brush (black); pointed brushes size 1,3,5 (Winsor Newton Series 7 is good); Oriental brushes and misc. brushes you like; assortment of pointed and broad pens (Mitchell 3, 4, 5, 6 and Speedball C-1 through C-5 and Automatic pens medium to wide); Higgins Eternal and/or Sumi ink and/or Walnut ink; assortment of gouache, plus black and white; non-acrylic colored ink (Dr. Martin’s Tech Ink); pencil; ruler; eraser; X-acto; mixing brushes, water jar; apron; favorite quotes or passages (optional).
Supply Fee: $5
About the instructor: Mike Gold is a senior lettering designer at American Greetings in Cleveland, Ohio,where he’s worked for 19 years. As part of his freelance business, abbeygold design, he has done lettering-centered design work for clients around the country. Mike has an MA in Visual Communications and 30 years experience as a commercial artist. Mike has taught around the country, including Ghost Ranch and Lake Louise, and at two international calligraphy conferences with his friend Judy Melvin. Collaboration has been a feature of much of his personal work. He especially cherishes his involvement with Scribes 8, a collaborative group based in New Mexico. Mike’s work has been included in numerous Letter Arts Review annuals since 1991. www.abbeygolddesign.com
