The Calligraphic Journey (Denis Brown: 2.5 day)
Level: All—but not geared for true beginners.
The Calligraphic Journey- Where shall we go from here? We will explore a larger creativity through calligraphy in this workshop than you may have imagined possible. Its essential for any art to be of its time even though Western calligraphers usually start out by copying historical styles. Denis Brown’s remarkable and varied calligraphy has taken valuable lessons from the past yet firmly interacts with the here and now. He will show a series of inspiring presentations on different aspects of his own work and, after each, will set projects to help calligraphers of all levels to expand their creativity. Topics will include tradition and function; rhythm and movement; concept and meaning; abstracting the essence; and finding one’s flow. There will be experimentation with abstract calligraphy as well as lettering. Apart from fun experimentation, the aim will be to sketch out a road-map to aid participants in navigating their own artistic journeys.
Tools and Materials: Calligraphy pens, particularly of the ‘dipping’ kind as distinct from fountain pens or markers. e.g. Brause ‘Bandzug” nibs, or Speedball C series, or similar broad edged nibs plus a wooden pen-holder. Pencils; 18″ ruler; scissors or scalpel. A sponge for wetting papers. Black ink such as a bottle of liquid sumi. Gouache paint in a few colors plus a black and a white.Paintbrushes and palette for mixing paint as well as a paintbrush suitable for making large calligraphic marks, like a flat 1″ nylon brush. Some plastic transfer pipettes or a glass one.Any other tools you have that can make large calligraphic marks- eg. sponge-brushes, ruling pens, automatic pens, or even just a household paintbrush. A couple of plastic cups or glass jars large enough to dip your large tools in. About 10 large sheets of drawing paper (c.22″x30″) which is heavy enough to withstand wetting. 11 x 17″ pad of practice paper. A pad or several sheets of tracing paper 11″x17″ or larger4 or more large (c. 22″x30″) sheets of either heavy tracing vellum or (preferably) polyester drafting film. (This is a sheet like tracing vellum but is made of polyester and therefore is waterproof- commonly used for architectural drawings that need dimensional stability). You need one that has a matte translucent surface (not transparent like acetate).
About the instructor: Denis Brown is internationally recognized as a world leader in the fields of calligraphy and letter arts. Committed to the art from an early age, he received his first commissions at 15, and was awarded fellowship of the UK Society of Scribes & Illuminators while still studying for his degree from Roehampton Institute. At 20 he became their youngest Fellow ever in addition to being their first Fellow from Ireland. His work pushes boundaries while he continually refines and extends his traditional skills. Brown uses letterforms and writing to create three-dimensional layered works of art where a thousand words may paint a picture. http://www.quillskill.com/
