Messages

16

Flourishing / Re: Some Pen Play

« on: February 02, 2022, 04:58:33 PM »

This is lovely!! Trying to learn the other pen hold is definitely worth it. The flourishes will 'fly' off the page more easily and in a larger 'comfort' range (less page turning)

17

Introductions / Re: Left-handed sidewriter

« on: February 02, 2022, 04:53:07 PM »

I'm a lefty and it definitely has its challenges. I turn the page to about 5 o'clock from a standard upright page position. While this works for the most part and creates some interesting effects in its own way, I find no matter how hard I try, my shades tend to drop in different positions than what right-handers can do. I think it has to do with arm movement. Right handers move their arm left to right along a horizontal baseline. I have to move my arm almost up and down. The resistance is different and in a way I would rather not have. Also, it is hard seeing all my letterforms as I execute. I have a serious blindspot when it comes to making my ascender loops. I have learned to live with it and now go mostly by feel. I keep trying now and then to return to a more 'traditional' page orientation and it just doesn't feel right despite my fav position's disadvantages.

18

Tools & Supplies / Re: The History behind Leonardt EF Principle.

« on: February 02, 2022, 04:44:28 PM »

Thank you for this! A great read. Lenny has always been my favourite. How I would love to try the original!

19

Flourishing / Re: Wild flourishes

« on: February 02, 2022, 04:37:51 PM »

LOL! It sure was! Interestingly, I've gravitated away from such crazy flourishes lately...

20

2022 Exchanges / Re: 2022 Exchange List

« on: December 30, 2021, 07:24:27 PM »

Oooh! This is a great line-up Erica!!
Looking forward to it already!

21

Tools & Supplies / Re: Going to Omaha?

« on: August 15, 2021, 05:53:53 AM »

Sorry to hear this Jean! Wishing you a full recovery!

22

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Time for Tea Exchange

« on: June 26, 2021, 06:55:59 AM »

I loved this!!! So delicate. These exchanges are wonderful for trying new things!

23

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Can you help me?

« on: April 23, 2021, 01:22:17 PM »

It has only taken me half a year @Andrew Davies, but I have taken a pic of the sand you sent me! It is a beautiful image. Thank you for sharing!

24

Introductions / Re: Hello from Japan

« on: April 20, 2021, 12:39:18 PM »

Welcome Yumiko! 4 hours....wow you are dedicated! You will be flourishing in no time. It is addicting...

25

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: What Makes a Successful Calligrapher

« on: February 25, 2021, 07:03:45 AM »

I agree with Erica. It all depends on how you define success. Is your goal to create work that others enjoy? Is it to spread knowledge and help others learn? Is it earning enough to sustain a living? Is it reaching 'x' followers on social media or invitations for media interviews and features? Each of those questions is tailored to different definitions of success (pleasure and creation, service, profession and fame).

For me, calligraphy is a hobby. I don't care about making money from it (although it's nice when it happens!) or how many people like my work. That said, I strive for my work to be pleasing of course...and when I achieve that, I consider my efforts a success. That said, even if people do not like it, if I learned from the process, I still consider the piece valuable and worth the effort.

26

2021 Exchanges / Re: Holiday | New Year Exchange Sign Ups are Now OPEN!

« on: November 18, 2020, 08:50:15 AM »

My favourite exchange!!

27

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Milonguera (Debbie Martin) – (10/4/1952-11/2/2020)

« on: November 03, 2020, 05:21:27 PM »

Oh this reads like a sucker punch to the stomach. Debbie was a kind soul with a generous heart.
The world is indeed less bright today. Thank you for being the bearer of this news Natascha.

28

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Elegant Calligraphy Mural

« on: October 16, 2020, 07:33:30 AM »

Seb Lester is amazing. He always does exceptional work. Thank you Erica!

29

Show & Tell / Re: My second piece of Spencerian

« on: October 16, 2020, 07:29:44 AM »

Hi Andrew! You are off to a good start. I was lucky to see a sample in person just yesterday Keep practicing and studying....the usual, but it matters! I do want to say though that your ink seems not quite the right combination...either in gum arabic or with this paper....your lines are rather thick and in this case I don't think it is your nib or your hand...I think it's an ink and/or paper issue. The reason I bring this up is that it can interfere with your learning feedback: you might not get the exact look you are hoping to get and it won't necessarily because of your skill with driving the pen.

Unfortunately, I am not an ink expert and would not even know where to guide you on how to fix this particular ink. I typically use Moonpalace Sumi and occasionally iron gall and gouache.

30

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Can you help me?

« on: September 26, 2020, 02:34:35 PM »

Thank you Andrew!
I am open to taking new samples