Shadow, Denis Brown 2005. 3 layers of tracing paper, each featuring the word 'shadow' written freely with an automatic pen in white and black gouache. The front and back layers are stretched over either side of a wooden frame 12mm (half an inch) deep, while the middle layer floats in between.

In this workshop, you will make a double sided, translucent work of layered calligraphy, which may be backlit, eg. placed in front of a window, or with a lamp behind. Normal lighting also produces interesting views. In fact these works have at least four distinct views, as both sides can be viewed with light from front or back.

Denis will discuss principles of layering, and demonstrate techniques of making shallow box constructions covered with tracing paper, stretched drum tight, and also with polyester drafting film.

Edward Johnston, the father of twentieth century calligraphy, has written that sharpness is one of the three essential qualities of formal penmanship. However in this deviation from his influence, selective blurring of the calligraphy is integral to the artistic impression. The three dimensional shallow space derives from the influence of modernist painting but here is real rather than perceptual, and the reversal and layering of similar word structures leads to an harmonious dance, each layer following similar steps but each executed with spontaneous improvisation.

Artwork is shown here against a window with foliage blowing in a breeze outside, showing through the translucent art ... of course in reality the background foliage was moving also, but that's a still image here, to enable the central movie of the art to be smaller and thus load faster. Flash Player requyired to view movie, download free from Adobe.com

Student Supply List:
A variety of the writing tools you like to work with: eg., pens, brushes, ruling pens, droppers, automatic pens, etc.; 
ink, ruler,  pencils;
pad of practice paper A3 size (11" x 17") or larger; 
gouache colours, palettes, mixing and loading brushes;
scalpel or scissors,
A large needle and thick white and black thread,
PVA glue and 1" glue brush, (1" decorators bristle paintbrush is OK )
Powdered Pumice or a draft cleaning pad.
Some texts or a quotation book.
A timber canvas-stretcher frame (without canvas), approximately 10"x 14" or any similar size, (this will be used as a support for stretching layers of translucent papers).
6 or more full sheets of heavy tracing paper at least 112gsm but 200gsm is better.
6 or more full sheets of Polyester drafting film . This is a sheet like tracing paper but is made of polyester and therefore is waterproof- (commonly used for architectural drawings that need dimensional stability). US brands include Duralar and frosted Mylar.
Also any other translucent material you'd like to work with, eg. translucent fabrics or Japanese washi (optional). Take the initiative and think creatively about what you might like to work with.
A staple gun would be useful if you have one.

Note: This workshop is also included as part of the 5 day Layering Class.

HOW TO GO ABOUT BOOKING A WORKSHOP

©2006 Denis Brown |  www.quillskill.com