Carved Calligraphy

A practice page of Neuland style calligraphy. Love this style, though have never been formally taught this one - so, I'm a bit unsure and shaky about it. I like the way the tops and bottoms of the letters touch each other. I believe it's German in origin.

This was a difficult experiment... I actually did it a long time ago and printed it a few weeks ago. (gotta wait for the ink to completely dry before painting it.) The quote came from an old class list at 'Haystack' art center in Oregon... I can't remember who wrote it but it was honoring a great calligrapher who had passed on. I wrote out the calligraphy, traced and carved it in wood. It will probably be the last time I do it. Unless it's engraved in a hard wood like Cherry, the Shina wood just splinters when trying to carve fine details. Very frustrating! I think it turned out kind of nice...

Practice, Practice, Practice

Confession - I love doing calligraphy. I took numerous classes from the fabulous Carol Du Bosch while living in Portland, OR. Whenever I practice or do a calligraphy project, I can hear her words about how to form the letters, picture her demonstrating in class and warning us that not practicing religiously was simply unacceptable. What an outstanding teacher she was, I miss her!

So, I set up the writing table, opened my ink and got to practicing. Right now I'm reviewing pointed italic. I'm hoping to make a few Christmas gifts (books) and maybe even do a Christmas card and print it on the Gocco printer. (that is if I can produce some decent lettering - it really takes a commitment to get back up to par!)