March 13, 2004
Twenty Alphabets and a Cousin
Numenius and I have spent the day at the San Francisco Center for the Book, studying with Maine calligrapher Nancy Leavitt. The entire day was focusing on variations of Rudolph Koch's Neuland typeface, a blocky, geometric alphabet we rendered in pieces of balsa veneer. It was such a treat to get covered in ink and eke texture out of these very tactile materials.
I also met my sixth cousin Stephen. He joined us after class and we went to Farley's on Potrero Hill to exchange genealogy findings. Our common ancestor moved from Duchess County in New York following the Revolutionary War to Canada...
The San Francisco Centre for the Book looks a fascinating organisation. I'll look forward to seeing your photos..... now you have attended the PhotoShop Conference as well! (As an aside, I won a little digital camera last week much to my surprise. I may need some lessons).
Posted by: Jenny at March 14, 2004 12:47 PMIt's great to see your examples from the workshop - just to see a hand-written alphabet on the web is such a relief and delight! Making one's own letters! My God!
Do you have the Letter Arts Review issue that featured Rudolph Koch? It's very good, inspiring.
Posted by: beth at March 15, 2004 05:21 PMHi you two, what a surprise to do a search on Nancy's work today and find your website! I had no idea you did this . . . It was a great weekend and I'm still grokking it. My 14 year old computer nerd son was fascinated with my stimudent and balsa wood letters. I don't keep a weblog, just put alot of my (not so current) calligraphy on my website, but I sure have enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for uploading your pictures! I didn't take a single photo this weekend. Too busy. Be well, and keep inkin'. . .
Posted by: Cari at March 15, 2004 07:36 PM