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P O L Y R H Y T H M I C
C A L L I G R A P H Y Expanding rhythms of writing A two day workshop with Denis Brown
Level: intermediate to advanced
This workshop will help you develop more complex rhythms than possible with even-spaced traditional lettering. The pattern of equidistant parallel lines, for example, (sometimes called the "picket fence") that underpins the rhythm of formal italic is very useful and important to learn, however writing incorporating more complex polyrhythms will require a subversion of this learning. Historical western calligraphy does not generally exhibit polyrhythmical qualities, and therefore offers little insight in this respect, although cursive script from arabic and oriental traditions offers a wealth of possibilities. Denis will also suggest influences from other sources: The compressions and rarefactions of any waveform undulate in a natural way that may point to an organic and polyrhythmic feeling for space within writing, that can variously open and contract. Music will also be a reference, where polyrhythms, syncopation, and counter melodies will each be analysed and appropriated into calligraphic composition and performance.
STUDENT SUPPLIES: Square edged dip-pens, and particularly Brause 3mm & 4mm nibs; optionally also a range of any other writing tools you like using (brushes, ruling pens, "cola" pens, droppers, etc); ink (Denis likes Winsor & Newton Ivory Black Gouache as ink but you may have your own favorite ink); 16" ruler or longer; pencils; pad of practice paper 11"x l7" or larger; a few sheets of better quality paper (Denis likes BFK Rives for large writing, again you may have your own preferences); gouache colors; palettes; mixing and loading brushes. Optional: finely powdered pumice stone and finely powdered gum sandarac. (Denis' demonstrations will make use of these, so you may also wish to try them, but they are not essential).
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