Because, Yes, I Need Another Drain on My Time ...

[dawn_felagund]

... then I am taking up calligraphy and illumination in the SCA.

Yes, I am aware that they are completely separate disciplines. But I'm doing both because the only thing better than one time-draining new hobby is two time-draining new hobbies!

Actually, for all of my adult life, I've wanted to take up calligraphy. When we joined the SCA, that opportunity finally presented itself. Heavy fighter practice occurs every Friday for three hours, and there is also a simultaneous "A&S" (arts and sciences) meeting that goes on at the same place. So far as I can tell, most of A&S is catching up with friends, eating snacks, and doing the occasional craft.

Of course, the ever-ambitious 'gund could not abide with three hours of potential learning/practicing time wasted. (I say this sarcastically, but I know myself: It's totally the truth.) And since Bobby goes to heavy fighter practice every week now, then I thought, "Why not use those three hours to learn something cool?"

So I queried our barony's email list about calligraphy, hoping to find a teacher. I know the basics already, and I have some skill in art from dabbling in various disciplines (primarily sketching and miniatures painting), so all I really wanted was some light guidance: where to start, what to practice, and maybe an occasional critique of my progress.

Instead, I got a reply from a master illuminator: "Well, I can't teach you calligraphy, but if you want to learn illumination ..."

Once I settled down from squeeing and bouncing ecstatically, then I answered that, yes, I would love to learn illumination.

So Master Tristan (the illuminator) and I met on Friday during A&S to pore over samples of his work and talk about whether I'd be interested in furthering my study of illumination. Umm ... yeah? :^D

My philosophy on my own artwork has always been: if it can be done in four square inches, then why not try it in one? In other words, I love detail work; possibly my most treasured art tool is my detail brush that I refuse to let anyone else use (except Bobby, occasionally, under supervision).

Illumination seems a 2D version of miniatures painting. It uses the same kind of paint and many of the same techniques. There are even "non-metallic metallics." I tried my hand at non-metallic metallics last year for the Meryth and Talban models that I painted for digdigil. In the world of miniatures painting--where, admittedly, the bar is not set particularly high--non-metallic metallics are the crowning achievement. Anyway, I digress. Master Tristan's non-metallic metallics were one-hundred times better than my mediocre attempts at the same, but then, he's been doing this for thirty years and is a master illuminator, and I'm just an on-and-off miniatures painter who aspires to illuminations!

Today, at the Ren Fest, I found a book on medieval calligraphy, which I picked up.

So I am very, very excited at this point. My hands are itchy to give it a try; the next time we meet, we're going to look at some original illuminations, then I should get to start! Whee!

Comments

[isil-elensar.livejournal.com]

I've helped paint scrolls. They had already been made, all it required was for us to fill in the color. It was fun, I thought.

I haven't played in a long while. Maybe someday I'll make a return. Maybe by the time I come back, I'll be able to change my name since I'll essentially be someone "new." Those that knew me before may have moved on... a new "identity" wouldn't be that hard to contrive. ;-)

[frenchpony.livejournal.com]

Does this mean that you are now one of the Illuminati?

It's kind of too bad you aren't Jewish. There is a real market for illuminators, as there are still quite a few Orthodox couples willing to shell out for a nicely illuminated ketubah (marriage contract). Great-Uncle Gersh does this for a living up in Rogers Park.

[tarion-anarore.livejournal.com]

My philosophy on my own artwork has always been: if it can be done in four square inches, then why not try it in one?

I think this is hilarious because you're writing style is exactly the opposite. ;P

[rhapsody11.livejournal.com]

OKay, I am going to ask the blonde question since my brains ran off since last friday and haven't returned just yet... what is Illumination? I really cant tell from the entry what it exactly is. It sounds very exciting :)

[oloriel.livejournal.com]

Okay, here's me being a bit jealous you're getting a chance to learn such wonderful things with professional guidance!

Hope you have a lot of fun, and share some pictures of your work if you feel comfortable enough with it! Illumination amazes me to no end (even though my own attempts have little to do with the original concept ;)), and calligraphy is such fun. It's such a pity pretty handwriting is no longer needed much in our society...

[fegie.livejournal.com]

You were there & I missed you?

Woe.

[rinnor.livejournal.com]

So very, very cool!

[mithluin.livejournal.com]

Sounds awesome, Dawn! I think I've met the person you referred to. I went to a few SCA meetings, and then determined that socializing was boring if I wasn't going to pick up a craft ;). So, good for you! I like to sew, so I could have made garb, but I never got into it. Calligraphy and illumination are so beautiful, and...to be perfectly honest...so Fëanorean. Don't ask me why, I don't think I could explain that!

So squee and enjoy ;).

[digdigil.livejournal.com]

OMG. I know I have a book somewhere on Celtic mythology. In it are examples of their art, including their own calligraphy. I must find that book! I've always been interested in calligraphy too. I'm not surprised that you'd be attracted to it because your handwriting is incredibly neat and well-controlled.

Awww...those Meryth and Talban models occupy a very special place on a special shelf. Jenni hearts them.

[ithilwen.livejournal.com]

So, what are you thinking about illuminating first?

[angelica-ramses.livejournal.com]

And now I'll ask the Latin American question: What's SCA? (I tried googling it but it took me to the most amazing organizations and no clue about how it connects with illuminations)

[evils-hero.livejournal.com]

I think thats ace! I do a bit of calligraphy myself, though not very well I have to admit... I'd never thought about illumination because my arty abilities are limited - I can write a bit, but drawing is strictly cartoons or stick people lol

But it sounds like it will be great fun :)