(click on either the pic or the title above to be magically transported to the blog - and enjoy!)
....
Friday, March 18, 2011
a bloggy presence...
Great news for all you blog enthusiasts - Yves Leterme - one of my favourite calligraphers (and I suspect a fav amongst many of you too) - has recently established a blog of his calligraphic wanderings/ wonderings...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
welcome to the future
I have just seen the face of the future - and its name is
go now
marvel
(try to resist signing up.... I dare you!)
...
Thursday, February 17, 2011
apologies for the interruption...
I do hope you'll all forgive a tiny sideways intrusion
of my personal stuff in this arena
tomorrow evening my solo exhibition
'codex interruptum' the interrupted book
is opening ....
'codex interruptum' the interrupted book
is opening ....
(click for a bigger view)
which in part explains why I've been quiet in here!
its been KRAZY KRAZY with work work work at my place
(and if you don't believe me you can follow the full story
by checking in to my main bloggy place...)
by checking in to my main bloggy place...)
I hope that I'll be able to bring a few more
calligraphic gems in the next while
calligraphic gems in the next while
(including an update 'gem'..... on our very own Gemma Black)
but first I have to do the arty schmooze!
(wish me luck)
....
Thursday, December 23, 2010
new blogginess....
I've been trying and trying to find a few spare moments to share another bloggy gem - the blog site of Cari Ferraro.... but I've been rushed off my feet - and now it's all worked out for the best - as Cari has just migrated her blogspot blog over to an integrated website, with a little journal (aka blog) included.....
Before you head off to enjoy the new site - here's what Cari had to say about her calligraphic (and blogging) journey to date...
Ronnie: So Cari, can you tell us all how you got started in calligraphy?
Cari: I felt for a long time that I came into calligraphy through the back door. I was an English major in college, studied literature and creative writing, but almost no art classes of any kind. After I graduated my mom gave me a copy of Jacqueline Svaren's "Written Alphabets" which was the seed. This was probably 1976 or '77. I had been collecting quotations I loved for years, being a great reader, and gradually found that calligraphy was a way for me to communicate my love of these words to other people.
I was self-taught for many years and didn't even know about any of the calligraphy guilds starting up in my area, but finally I caught sight of a class in the University's extension program taught by Carl Rohrs. That class opened my eyes to all that I didn't know, and also put me in touch with the local guild and I began taking workshops. I had some bad habits to unlearn but soon I was making great progress. I had been encouraged by my husband to hang out my shingle as a business the same year we got married, 1981, and so I did. I shudder to think of some off things I charged people money for, but taking commission work made me practice and kept my nibs wet. I decided early on that I would put my energy into the business instead of teaching because it was more flexible for my schedule when my children came along a few years later. Calligraphy was at that time something I could pick up and put down at the drop of a hat if my kids needed me. That is not the case now though: when I am involved in the creative process I get so deeply into it I will forget to eat if my husband doesn't call up to the studio "Rapunzel, come down for dinner . . . "
R: Ha! My long-suffering partner and kiddies can empathise! Now, how about blogging?
C: I began the blog in September of 2008. I was always interested to read about other artists' experiences and how they created their work. We artists tend to work in such isolation. People like to know the "story" of the art, how it was created, what the inspiration was. I was also at that time in the midst of an episode of disability that went on for a few years, and not getting out much, not able to go to the calligraphy conferences, and generally just feeling very alone. So I felt that writing a blog would not only connect me to the larger world, but also give the creative writing muscles some exercise and keep me in good form. I have really enjoyed sharing my creative experiences and have also threaded in how my personal and spiritual life affects the art that I create. So the blog may be about how I painted pages for a bookwork, or it may be about a spiritual circle I have with my family. It's all of a piece to me, as one thing feeds the other and they are pretty much inseparable. It's also been a great way to get feedback on the work. There is much that I do not reveal on the blog, if it's of a personal nature, but I feel if it relates to the work then it's fair game for a blog post.
R: What does blogging mean to you and your creative output?
C: Blogging and being on Facebook has increased my circle of virtual friends immeasurably and given me great pleasure to connect to the larger world in this magical way. I have met and become involved with people who I first met online, who found me through my artwork, and have felt a soul connection to people across the planet by participating in these networks.
In the last few years, I have become much more serious about my work. Aside from some longtime clients, I have pretty much stopped doing commission work in order to give my full attention to making books. I always dreamed of writing books, but even as a youngster I had to be doing things with my hands, so to finally have it all come together has been extremely satisfying for me: not only am I often creating the content for my books, but I am painting, lettering, stitching and pasting them too! I feel a strong push to create work that reflects my unique spiritual path, which includes a serious reverence for the Earth and all Her creatures. As I have gotten older, I feel that, if not now, then when?
I look at the blog as something of a teaching forum for me, not only for my process but for my inspirations, my disappointments and/or frustrations, and sometimes to show early work to encourage aspiring calligraphers. I also like to share some pictures of what I do in my journal, very rough stuff, but often the seeds of an idea I might develop more fully later, or else just the practice of fooling around with tools and color for the fun of it.
R: Yes, I often feel that blogs/blogging can be simultaneously personal and universal..... and a place where one can give and receive at the same time..... Thanks Cari for sharing!
And in that spirit Cari has generously chosen to share with us pics of her working processes, not polished end products.
You can still catch Cari's work and words at Prose and Letters....
or you can drop by her newly vamped website to find her new blog home and enjoy the journey!
....
Before you head off to enjoy the new site - here's what Cari had to say about her calligraphic (and blogging) journey to date...
Ronnie: So Cari, can you tell us all how you got started in calligraphy?
Cari: I felt for a long time that I came into calligraphy through the back door. I was an English major in college, studied literature and creative writing, but almost no art classes of any kind. After I graduated my mom gave me a copy of Jacqueline Svaren's "Written Alphabets" which was the seed. This was probably 1976 or '77. I had been collecting quotations I loved for years, being a great reader, and gradually found that calligraphy was a way for me to communicate my love of these words to other people.
I was self-taught for many years and didn't even know about any of the calligraphy guilds starting up in my area, but finally I caught sight of a class in the University's extension program taught by Carl Rohrs. That class opened my eyes to all that I didn't know, and also put me in touch with the local guild and I began taking workshops. I had some bad habits to unlearn but soon I was making great progress. I had been encouraged by my husband to hang out my shingle as a business the same year we got married, 1981, and so I did. I shudder to think of some off things I charged people money for, but taking commission work made me practice and kept my nibs wet. I decided early on that I would put my energy into the business instead of teaching because it was more flexible for my schedule when my children came along a few years later. Calligraphy was at that time something I could pick up and put down at the drop of a hat if my kids needed me. That is not the case now though: when I am involved in the creative process I get so deeply into it I will forget to eat if my husband doesn't call up to the studio "Rapunzel, come down for dinner . . . "
R: Ha! My long-suffering partner and kiddies can empathise! Now, how about blogging?
C: I began the blog in September of 2008. I was always interested to read about other artists' experiences and how they created their work. We artists tend to work in such isolation. People like to know the "story" of the art, how it was created, what the inspiration was. I was also at that time in the midst of an episode of disability that went on for a few years, and not getting out much, not able to go to the calligraphy conferences, and generally just feeling very alone. So I felt that writing a blog would not only connect me to the larger world, but also give the creative writing muscles some exercise and keep me in good form. I have really enjoyed sharing my creative experiences and have also threaded in how my personal and spiritual life affects the art that I create. So the blog may be about how I painted pages for a bookwork, or it may be about a spiritual circle I have with my family. It's all of a piece to me, as one thing feeds the other and they are pretty much inseparable. It's also been a great way to get feedback on the work. There is much that I do not reveal on the blog, if it's of a personal nature, but I feel if it relates to the work then it's fair game for a blog post.
R: What does blogging mean to you and your creative output?
C: Blogging and being on Facebook has increased my circle of virtual friends immeasurably and given me great pleasure to connect to the larger world in this magical way. I have met and become involved with people who I first met online, who found me through my artwork, and have felt a soul connection to people across the planet by participating in these networks.
In the last few years, I have become much more serious about my work. Aside from some longtime clients, I have pretty much stopped doing commission work in order to give my full attention to making books. I always dreamed of writing books, but even as a youngster I had to be doing things with my hands, so to finally have it all come together has been extremely satisfying for me: not only am I often creating the content for my books, but I am painting, lettering, stitching and pasting them too! I feel a strong push to create work that reflects my unique spiritual path, which includes a serious reverence for the Earth and all Her creatures. As I have gotten older, I feel that, if not now, then when?
I look at the blog as something of a teaching forum for me, not only for my process but for my inspirations, my disappointments and/or frustrations, and sometimes to show early work to encourage aspiring calligraphers. I also like to share some pictures of what I do in my journal, very rough stuff, but often the seeds of an idea I might develop more fully later, or else just the practice of fooling around with tools and color for the fun of it.
R: Yes, I often feel that blogs/blogging can be simultaneously personal and universal..... and a place where one can give and receive at the same time..... Thanks Cari for sharing!
And in that spirit Cari has generously chosen to share with us pics of her working processes, not polished end products.
You can still catch Cari's work and words at Prose and Letters....
or you can drop by her newly vamped website to find her new blog home and enjoy the journey!
....
Monday, December 6, 2010
a generous offering...
For those of you who haven't found it already - yesterday Denis Brown uploaded to youtube a rather gorgeous offering - a short HD video - abstract calligraphy in snow....
and it's a gift for all to share (how nice is that?) so feel free to do as I've just done here - share the piece freely around the world and enjoy!
and it's a gift for all to share (how nice is that?) so feel free to do as I've just done here - share the piece freely around the world and enjoy!
* the video is actually better viewed from DBs quillskill site ....
HD or not - it's a sweet treat....
....
Saturday, September 4, 2010
farr out!
meet Jane Farr – Amercian calligrapher and blogger from 'A Place to Flourish'
Jane commenced blogging at 'A Place to Flourish' almost exactly the same time we set up calligraffia (early 2009), and I've got to say I've been enjoying her posts (mostly from afar) ever since! I think what I like best about Jane's blog is her extensive and exciting links to calligraphers blogs (go to her blog and you'll see what I mean!) and her generosity and humility as a calligrapher and blogger - something I think you'll notice is evident throughout her posting.
Sooooo I asked Jane to share a bit about her blogging experiences and some advice for blogging beginners (and blogging old hands).....
here's Jane:
Drop by 'A Place to Flourish' or Jane's alternate blog 'Wedding Calligraphy by Jane Farr' for more calligraphic and blogging gems.
**pics reproduced with permission of Jane Farr - please read our copyright policy
Jane commenced blogging at 'A Place to Flourish' almost exactly the same time we set up calligraffia (early 2009), and I've got to say I've been enjoying her posts (mostly from afar) ever since! I think what I like best about Jane's blog is her extensive and exciting links to calligraphers blogs (go to her blog and you'll see what I mean!) and her generosity and humility as a calligrapher and blogger - something I think you'll notice is evident throughout her posting.
Sooooo I asked Jane to share a bit about her blogging experiences and some advice for blogging beginners (and blogging old hands).....
here's Jane:
I think the most interesting and rewarding experience that blogging has provided me is the people I have met and the friendships I have formed. I am continually surprised and encouraged by the emails I receive from people that have stumbled upon my blog. The blogosphere has made calligraphy a much less solitary occupation for me. I have even been fortunate to meet some of my blogs followers. These are people with which I have much in common but probably would never have met if it weren’t for A Place to Flourish. Many of my readers don’t have access to a local, calligraphy guild or to calligraphy classes, workshops, etc., so I try to include posts about what I’m learning. Another interesting thing: If I forget to mention in my post what nib I used, I generally get one or two emails asking “What nib did you use?!”
Before launching my blog, I read the book “Clear Blogging” by Bob Walsh He shares a wealth of information, but I found his following tips to be especially helpful and true:* Own your words. Be yourself, be genuine, be human.* Cite your sources and always provide the link.* Stick to a schedule. Whether you post once per month or once per day, stick to it. Let readers know if you’ll be absent from posting.* Focus. Can you explain in ten words or less what your blog is about? You should.* Write for your readers. Spell and grammar check. Short posts are good.* Use photos to make your posts more interesting.* Be active. Post comments on other blogs and link to other blogs.* Share what you are learning.
Although there are still so many things I want to do and try, blogging has definitely helped me grow and flourish as a calligrapher.
Drop by 'A Place to Flourish' or Jane's alternate blog 'Wedding Calligraphy by Jane Farr' for more calligraphic and blogging gems.
**pics reproduced with permission of Jane Farr - please read our copyright policy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
more blogs!
Ready for some more calligraphy blogs? well go get yourself a cuppa because I've got a big bunch to share with you today! Indeed they all come from a big land...... yep you guessed it - calligraffia is shining its blogging spotlight on the very big U*S*A..... and with so many spectacular american calligraphers with blogs it's going to take more than one post to show what we've gathered*
hope you enjoy these first pickings - (don't forget to click on the pic or the linked blog name to head off to the blog mentioned)
and here's a few short and sweet others you might like to check out:
if your favourite blog hasn't been featured yet- fear not - we're getting there!
hope you enjoy these first pickings - (don't forget to click on the pic or the linked blog name to head off to the blog mentioned)
'Ink flourishes' is the blog of Heather Victoria Held....
"I am a freelance calligrapher specializing in ornamental penmanship and offhand flourishing. I live in a small village in Ontario, about an hour west of Toronto. I have been happily married to my best friend Chris for nearly 23 years and we have a precious daughter Holly who is completing her university education. I have studied extensively with Master Penman through the organization Iampeth and the Spencerian Saga. I am currently an active member of the Hamilton Calligraphy guild. If I am not working with the pointed pen, I am studying medieval and renaissance illumination techniques. I love to spend time alone in the studio working on my art. It is a very spiritual activity for me."
*****
custom-lettering is the place you'll find
Alan Ariail a.k.a. Alphabetguy
"Custom lettering is an art from I have been involved with commercially for over 25 years. My lettering has been used for a variety of consumer packaging and advertising. All the lettering I create is drawn by hand with pencils, markers, ink pens and brushes. Finished art is produced in digital format. I started this blog to show examples of rough lettering concept sketches including some finished art. My goal has always been to make lettering both readable and unique. "
*******
'in good spirit'... blog of Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord
"in good spirit chronicles my explorations in art both past and present. As I record the discoveries and learn from the lessons in my journey, I hope that they may be of some use in yours."
*****
idreamofletters belongs to Danae Hernandez
"My love of fine lettering began at the age of 12! The beauty of seeing clean swirling lines dancing across an ordinary sheet of paper simply enthralled me. I have been self-taught for the most part, learning from books and techniques of master calligraphers who gave life to the incredible art of calligraphy back in the "Golden age of Penmanship." I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to follow my artistic passions, while staying with my little ones. From my home based-studio, along with my trusty mac and countless bottles of inks and nibs, I create custom designs for wedding stationery, often combining calligraphy with illustrations and watercolored paintings. Here, I highlight my recent artwork and any other little inspirations I come across... I love sweet stationery, lovely decor, thoughtful typography, handmade beauty and unique finds."
*****
'jan calligrapher' is the the blog moniker of Jan Kruger
"I am a strong woman with a tender heart. I am blessed with a wonderful, funny husband who makes me laugh every day. He takes such great care of me. Things I love, my family and friends first of all; praying, reading, thinking, calligraphy and creating art. I loved being a mom to small children and teenage children and now am grandmother to 6 adorable grandchildren. I am a lover of almost everyone and a good friend!"
*****
'lisa letters' = lisa engelbrecht!
"a rough compendium of the many things I'm into-from Letters, fabric, graffitti and tattoo lettering-thats at this moment!"
*****
and you get no points for guessing 'The Randall M. Hasson Blog'
is indeed the blog of Randall M. Hasson!
is indeed the blog of Randall M. Hasson!
"I am a visual artist and calligrapher who works with large format paintings that combine calligraphy and image. I talk about these subjects at http://blog.randallmhasson.com I post recipes and things of that sort at FeastForThePalette.blogspot.com."
*****
and here's a few short and sweet others you might like to check out:
Cindy Yount - "I am a lettering artist with 25 years experience in calligraphy and the related arts, as well as a background in graphic design. My passions include creating unique, hand lettered gifts and artists books, with uplifting, colorful, nature inspired themes. Custom requests are always welcome."
thegingerparasol is Dana Cochran - "I do what I love … "
and the blog with my favourite 'about me' intro....
extraordinaryletterforms - blog home of David Ogden - "Slingin' ink since 1991"
if your favourite blog hasn't been featured yet- fear not - we're getting there!
* calligraffia has gathered a screen shot of chosen blogs and are displaying them (and the written information) under fair use of copyright - each pic is hyperlinked to the blog itself so click the pic to be whisked off to the blog shown - all information posted on calligraffia is a direct quote from the 'profile' or 'about me' section on the blog page.
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