Messages

16

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: How well can you form mental images?

« on: August 27, 2015, 10:47:37 PM »

I found this interesting article on aphantasia, where people are unable to form visual images in their mind.  There is a whole spectrum of variation of this ability, from those with aphantasia to those with very vivid imaginations.  I wonder how the ability to form mental images coorelates with artistic ability.  I have never been able to draw well and I wonder if it is because I cant hold a clear image of something in my mind.  Take the quiz at the end of the article and see how you do. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-34039054

How interesting! I have a very vivid mind's eye, and I don't know if it's related but I dream very vividly as well. The ability to easily conjure up some imagery is pretty distressing for me at times, actually. Horror and gorey movies, or even the news or very elaborate writing, can trigger some unwanted pictures in my head. Once I see something, it doesn't go away! When it comes to negative images that's stressful, but otherwise I enjoy being able to doodle whimsical things from memory. Mixed blessing!

17

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Charles Schulz "Peanuts" favorite nib and holder

« on: August 27, 2015, 10:37:39 PM »

I have driven by this museum many many times... never been in. But, this may change that!

Where do you live? I feel like you must be very, very close to me... Maybe we could have a meet-up some time!

18

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Charles Schulz "Peanuts" favorite nib and holder

« on: August 27, 2015, 10:36:53 PM »

How cool! I have always LOVED Peanuts-- as a kid my mom (who is an accountant) used to bring home old giant pads of ledger paper that were meant for use in a big printer (I don't know the exact name of them, but they had perforated edges and yellow copy paper behind them). I would take the Sunday comics and redraw a panel from the Peanuts strip at like 10 times the size. No idea why I loved this so much, but I did it constantly. I had about 15 years of Sunday comics stacked on a shelf before my dad, who was a volunteer Red Cross fire response team leader, made me recycle them because they were a huge fire hazard

Now I work in Santa Rosa where Charles Schultz is from There're statues of Peanuts characters all over the place, and my office has a giant statue of Joe Cool pretending to be a surveyor, haha.

Sorry for the story vomit, but I just love cartoons <3

19

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Favorite Book Exchange Lists are Sent!

« on: August 27, 2015, 10:21:51 PM »

Mine are going to be delayed, I'm sorry!  Work has been horrendous the past two weeks, I've been working on a wedding project for a friend, and it's so hot in my un-air conditioned house that my arms are sticking to my table.

They will go out this weekend, promise!

20

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Calligraphy: Share the Craft, Preserve the Trade

« on: August 24, 2015, 04:06:51 PM »

I subscribe to your blog, Erica your post arrived in my mailbox.  It was very powerful, especially on the heels of Iampeth.  The contributions to this thread have also been very thoughtful and affirming.  I hope my thoughts don't throw a fox in the chicken house. 

The one thing nobody has mentioned and the thing that keeps coming to mind is that the established calligraphers of today, the ones doing quality work and being paid for it, all started somewhere. I doubt the quality of their work 'then' was what it is today. Though I can't always do what I know, I'm learning real quality when I see it  , and feel just a little depressed when I see work for sale that is clearly inferior, or worse yet, used as an example for fee based classes taught by people who mistakenly believe they "have this thing."  But again, everyone starts somewhere.  Hopefully, those who begin to make money before it is justified, continue to hone their craft and continue to learn.  As for teaching, I'm sure we've all heard the adage, 'teach what you want to learn.' 

When I first learned calligraphy, I took classes at a nearby college from a woman (Susie-Melissa Cherry) who's been in the industry since she was young. In her 6-week intermediate class, she teaches *projects* that you can do with your calligraphy, and she teaches you how to run prints and copies and learn about paper and colors, etc. I loved this class, because it took "here's how to write beautifully" to a new stage of "and here's what you can do with it!"

She also talks about pricing, and I loved her approach: "Your time and skill is valuable, and if someone asks you to make something for them, you can charge. Charge based on your skill level. This is how much I charge after almost 30 years of practice, and this is how much I suggest you charge as a beginner. Then increase your prices over time as you become more skilled."

I really believe anyone doing any sort of craft can and should (if they want) make money that way, because you're right...you have to start somewhere. The problem I see is when people at a low-skill level want to make high-skill level money right away without putting in the effort, time, and dedication. OR, when someone with a low-skill level markets themself as something beyond that, which is confusing for a general population with limited knowledge on whatever the subject is. Both of these practices create all the problems people have been mentioning: flooded markets, distorted pricing, lowered expectations, whatever.

All trades and crafts go through something similar I think. Trends come and go, and with them so do the crowds of followers. That being said...anyone excited that bell bottoms are back in fashion?!

21

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Calligraphy: Share the Craft, Preserve the Trade

« on: August 21, 2015, 03:58:47 PM »

Probably Pinterest made it popular.

I am going to put that on a t-shirt, Amy!!!  ;Dh

I'll take one!

Great article, Erica. Written with thoughtfulness and genuine care!

22

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Master Penman Jake Weidmann video

« on: August 06, 2015, 11:48:43 AM »

I wonder if the video isn's a promotional clip from Michael Sull's upcoming documentary, With Pen In Hand.

I thought the same! Maybe Coors is sponsoring it. I always feel a little weird when something I really love gets "commercialized" but I think all these little spotlights will add up to something great. If it gets people thinking about and fighting for bringing back/keeping and funding handwriting and creative arts in schools then I'm a huge supporter!

A guy friend of mine had actually shared this video to my Facebook wall, and after I geeked out a bit to him about how talented both the men in the video are, my friend replied: "Really impressive stuff though - and much more of an art form than I normally thought of as penmanship. I'll have to watch the documentary too!" I think that's exactly the response the video is intended to create, which is exciting!

23

Show & Tell / Re: Calligraphy Cat Club

« on: August 02, 2015, 04:23:09 PM »

This week I welcomed a new kitten into my household.  Gumbo is adapting quickly to her new environment, incliding her Aunt Nelle.  Here Gumbo is playing with some strips of t-shirts that I cut to crochet her a bed.  And then she and Aunt Nelle settled down for a nap together, bonding over a stack of penwipes.

Gumbo!!!! <3 She can be besties with my Noodles and Schin's Rice

24

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: IAMPETH 2015

« on: July 21, 2015, 01:51:43 AM »

btw, anyone already planning for Portland next year?

ABSOLUTELY! I signed up as an IAMPETH member this week and am dreaming about next year's convention already 

West Coast represent 

  Hollaaaaa'

25

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: IAMPETH 2015

« on: July 15, 2015, 03:01:44 PM »

btw, anyone already planning for Portland next year?

ABSOLUTELY! I signed up as an IAMPETH member this week and am dreaming about next year's convention already 

26

Introductions / Re: Hello!

« on: July 13, 2015, 03:08:16 PM »

Hi, Jennifer! Man, I thought a whippy-tailed cat was a challenge to my calligraphy...4 kiddos sounds like a handful! I hope you enjoy learning with all of us!

27

Introductions / Re: Hello from Pasadena, CA

« on: July 13, 2015, 03:06:22 PM »

Hi, Marjorie! Yay for fellow Californians!

Great advice from Elaina there. Welcome to the club!

28

Show & Tell / Re: Calligraphy and a Cricut Explore

« on: July 09, 2015, 09:15:58 PM »

My mom has one of these and keeps hounding me to send her lettering to work it. It's great to see a finished piece! Thank you for sharing!

29

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Local Culture exchange scrapbook!

« on: July 07, 2015, 03:05:22 PM »

I have been working on the scrapbook and I just want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of you who sent something. It is truly a remarkable compilation of work representing so many different countries and cultures. I am extremely proud to be able to bring this to IAMPETH to share with everyone.

When I return, I will take photographs and share so everyone can see. I also promise to acknowledge everyone who sent an exchange. I am just so inspired and in awe of it all. My heart is full! 

Now you know how we feel for all the work you've done with this Forum, Dasherie, the exchanges... Full hearts!

30

Flourishing / Re: The Flourisher's Nightmare!

« on: June 25, 2015, 03:22:55 PM »

Hahaha, perfect! I'd much rather dream about calligraphy creatures than some of the weird stuff that pops into my head! Some days I dream about checking e-mail...