calligraphy: how i fell in, out, and in love again
This illustrated talk to based on my memoir of the same name. It chronicles my sometimes all-consuming, always challenging, and ultimately freeing relationship with calligraphy over forty years. This wide-ranging talk introduces the basic principles of calligraphy, shares lessons about the art process and letting go of the desire for perfection, and illustrates the artistic possibilities of a love of words and letters. It is about more than how to hold a pen and form letters. It is about questioning and slowly finding answers—inspiring for artists and non-artists alike. Each talk is adapted to the specific audience from artists and art students to library patrons. Here are some the images that are included in the talk.
I learned calligraphy from books. This was one of my favorites. I liked that what I was learning could be part of my everyday handwriting as well as something special.
Much of my early work was inspired by, or more accurately, copied from photographs of old manuscript pages.
I share my struggles and mistakes as well as my successes.
At the height of my days of calligraphy love, I focused on enhancing the meaning of the words through my choice of lettering style, color, and ornament.
I slowly transitioned from doing calligraphy to making books. My first books combined calligraphy and photocopier imagery.
I then worked with natural materials and made wordless books that I call Spirit Books.
When I came back to calligraphy, I wanted to take it out of the frame. I lettered these banners before an audience at the Clare Gallery in Hartford, CT.
My goal now is to write meaningful words with spontaneity and spirit.
The talk lasts 45–50 minutes plus time for questions. Susan's fee is $250. if book sales are allowed, $300. if not. Travel is added for locations 50 miles beyond Newburyport, MA.
Click here to see the link given to attendees with Susan's reading list of books about creativity and art.
Click here for information about Susan's other presentations.
Click here to contact Susan to schedule a talk.
Click here to see the link given to attendees with Susan's reading list of books about creativity and art.
Click here for information about Susan's other presentations.
Click here to contact Susan to schedule a talk.