Letters are the basic building blocks that we use for written language. Yet, in our heavily computerized world, we don’t often take time to enjoy the physical sensation of making letters. This workshop will connect you kinetically to words and meaning. It is an introduction into why letters look the way they do and how you can use various tools to create beautiful letters.

Our morning will be spent on understanding how to use a broad-edged (chisel) pen. We’ll explore basic Italic letterform as a way of seeing how pen angle can create beautiful shapes. In the afternoon, we’ll focus on recreating 16th century illuminated letters based on shapes used in Italian Renaissance manuscripts. With these “Versal Letters” (literally, the decorated letters that start a new verse) and Italic calligraphy (from the Greek “calli” meaning beautiful and “graphos” meaning writing), you’ll have a foundation for creating artwork and discover a whole new way to appreciate language and meaning.

Workshop Instructor: Amanda West Lewis. Read her PROFILE or visit www.amandawestlewis.com

$125.00 

Lunch included (and dietary needs accommodated)

($20 material fee to be paid on the day of the workshop)

To register call (613) 464-2105