Boulder, CO 80302
Instructor: Megan Goodenough
This class is a wonderful introduction to the pointed pen and the fascinating world of classic calligraphy. The word calligraphy comes from ancient Greek and means beautiful writing. It’s traditionally been used in the West to describe sets of letters that are written by hand. These sets, or scripts, are defined by structured shapes for the characters and by specific rules for spacing; they look different from the generally looser styles of Asian and modern calligraphy. In this class, calligrapher Megan Goodenough provides three basic alphabets for you to choose from and introduces you to the use of a pointed pen. The pointed pen is less common nowadays than the chisel-edged calligraphy pen, but there’s a particular beauty inherent in the subtle irregularities of its lines. Megan begins the class by describing which nibs, inks, and papers work best for the beginning calligrapher. She’ll then provide some simple exercises so you can get comfortable using the pointed pen to create thick and thin lines in a single stroke. After practicing the shaped alphabet, you have the option of lettering a short phrase or haiku on fine calligraphy paper. You’ll leave class with a solid foundation in shape and form for classic calligraphy and with a clever travel kit of supplies.
Please bring the following optional materials:
- a favorite short phrase or haiku. (Megan will bring some examples.)
- sack lunch and water bottle
Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the first class meeting will be refunded or, at the participant's option, used to pay for another class. Two Hands Paperie will retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled by a participant. After 14 days, there is no refund or credit. In addition, the fee for a class cancelled within this 14-day timeframe by a participant cannot be transferred to pay for another class. These policies are to ensure that teachers are compensated for their investment in materials and in time spent preparing for the class. We reserve the right to cancel a class if fewer than 3 students enroll 48 hours prior to the scheduled class time. If for any reason Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, students will be called at the phone number on file and refunded the FULL class fee.
Instructor Bio
Megan Goodenough has loved alphabets her whole life, whether in calligraphy, books, illuminations, illustrations, or paintings. Her earliest art memory is of practicing handwriting while listening to her mom's Buddhist chanting group. Megan's love of combining art and spirit was born and, at the age of seven, she declared, "I want to be a scribe!" No wonder she was particularly drawn to Illuminated Manuscripts when she later studied art history. Illuminated Manuscripts, which are an art form found in almost every culture, consist of scared words, illustrations emoting those words, and an application of gold to literally illuminate, or to bring light to, the page and reader. Megan studied fine arts at university but it took her a while to find the training she longed for. She finally discovered it in workshops and lessons provided through old school guilds devoted to calligraphic and illuminated art. Nothing else satisfied her desire to integrate art, science, and spirit. Megan continues to take courses, study, practice, sew books, draw, and paint. "I especially love focusing on the detail work - the curve of a letter, a single stitch, a vein in a leaf. . . It basically comes down to a deep love of the arts, the written word, and books! We all have to champion something, so I guess for me it's the letter A." Learn more about Megan's work and her philosophy at www.theilluminationcollective.com.
