Reflections September 2017

Logo designed by Judith Lovell

Newsletter Team Editor

Barbara Qualley

Proofreaders

Eleanor Harris Kathy Marven

Cover Artist

Paullette McLaren

Journal Issue #1 September 2017

GUIDELINES for submitting articles and photographs can be found at www.warmlandcalligraphers.ca/reflections.html

Previous Newsletters ended at Issue #66

Regular monthly meetings are held on the Second Tuesday of each month from 8:30am to 12:00pm (no meeting in July and August) Mellor Hall Meeting Room, Exhibition Grounds Duncan, BC (Exceptions are Pot Lucks in December and June)

Executive Meetings

2

General Guild Information

are held on the First Tuesday of each month at Linda Yaychuk’s home from 9am to noon All members are welcome!

3

President’s Message

4

Cover Artist: Paullette McLaren

5

Report: Webmaster Journal Editor

6

Call for Entries: Reflections masthead

8

Review: Letters California Style 2017

10

Report: T-Time Remembering: Hans van der Werff

11

Review: Letters of Joy 2017

12

Life Membership: Eleanor Harris Report: Secretary

13

Galleria: Blast from the Past

14

In Memoriam: Jane Taylor

16

Upcoming Conferences

18

Report: Library

19

Review: LetterWorks 2017

22

Report: Treasurer Workshops

23

Report: Deck the Hall Christmas Market

24

Report: Vice-President: Mentorship Exhibitions

25

Report: Programme Co-ordinator

26

Report: Playtime

27

Galleria: Blast from the Past

Playtime is held on the Fourth Tuesday of each month from 9am to 12pm Scouts Hall, Exhibition Grounds Duncan, BC Annual Membership in Warmland Calligraphers includes online and print copy of Journal. Dues are C$30 for Canadian residents and US$30 for US/Int’l.

Warmland Calligraphers of the Cowichan Valley (the Guild) is a non-profit group formed to facilitate the exchange of information between calligraphers, and to promote interest in and appreciation of calligraphy as an art form within the community. Membership is open to calligraphers at all levels of expertise as well as those with a love of beautiful writing.

Contents of this journal are copyrighted by the authors/artists.

Requests for permission to reprint any part must be made through the Editor. The views of contributors are not necessarily those of the Executive or members of the Guild.

Members are invited to submit concise pieces for publication as well as to alert the Editorial Committee to conferences, papers, speeches and other matters of interest to our readers.

The Editorial Committee reserves the right to make editorial changes in material accepted for publication. These include such revisions or additions deemed necessary to ensure correctness of grammar and spelling, clarification of obscurities, brevity and conformity to the Reflections journal.

Contact us at: P.O. Box 2, Duncan, B C, V9L 3X1 Canada www.warmlandcalligraphers.ca 2

Inside this issue

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE RIA LEWIS

“Reflections”, the name for our new annual journal, is a perfect description as we think back to this past year and how our ideas and activities have shaped the Guild’s direction. Upon reflecting on this past year and with appreciation for the above quote, I feel we have accomplished much.

We started with 74 members last September and many are very actively involved in our Guild.

Perusing the minutes, I see the wonderful programmes we have had at every meeting thanks to Pat Wheatley. To mention a few, we gained insight into the use of pencil crayons, haikus, creating interesting backgrounds, calligrams, pointed pen, calligraphArt, matting and framing and finished off with a wonderful presentation regarding the Letters California Style Conference by June Maffin, our first Mentorship Award recipient.

Workshops, organized by Betty Locke and Marilyn Boechler, offered the members more expertise in calligraphic specialties. We had the opportunity to take workshops from Cheryl Tasaka - Contemporary and Decorative Caps; Alice Young – Gentle Gothics using the Parallel Pen; David Carter – Water Colour Background; Judith Lovell – Pencil Crayons; Marilyn Lundstrom – Copperplate; Carolynn Dallaire – Five Little Books and Laura Bethune –Flourishing. What has been so

exciting about these workshops is that not only were they very well received, but many of the presenters were local and members of our Guild.

We also worked hard to show our calligraphic art throughout the Cowichan Valley under the leadership of Denise Rothney. The Library Show is ongoing at year’s end, Lucy Hylkema and Linda Yaychuk make sure there is an ongoing show at the Sunridge Care Home. With the closure of the Loft Art Gallery this year, an effort was made to find other venues. Charlotte Whiteley organized a successful show at the 49th Café in Ladysmith after which the art was moved to Merridale Cidery in Cobble Hill. Denise has worked hard to enter the Guild for a show at Portals in March 2018 and at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Art Gallery during the month of May in 2018. I am personally very excited to have our work shown at these two art galleries and am hopeful that we will be able to continue displaying there for many years to come.

(Sunshine), Linda Yaychuk (Deck the Hall), Betty Locke and Joyce Gammie (Galleria topics), Charlotte Whiteley (T-Time), Linda Yaychuk and Alane Lalonde (door prizes).

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the many volunteers who help with coffee and snacks, hanging and taking down of art work and the many small but important tasks that help to make Warmland Calligraphers a vibrant and special organization.

By the time you read “Reflections”, the summer months will be almost over and I hope you have had a wonderful holiday and that you feel refreshed and ready to start a new calligraphic year.

Ria Lewis

Finally, I would like to acknowledge those who work diligently to keep our calligraphers informed and up to date: Barbara Qualley (Newsletter Editor and Webmaster), Eleanor Harris and Linda Lax (Treasurer), Ruth Rutledge and Leslie Healy (Secretaries), Jane Taylor (Membership), David Carter (Librarian), Marilyn Lundstrom (Playtime), Carolynn Dallaire SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

3

Cover Artist Paullette McLaren I've been inspired by many calligraphy artists throughout the years. This particular cover piece, I felt had to resonate with the word ‘Reflections’ done by another Warmland artist, Linda Lax. Yukimi Annand's work immediately came to mind and thus the stick-like lettering evolved. ‘Calligraphic Journeys’ was done in walnut ink with a ruling pen.

My personal calligraphic journey has been on and off for many years, mainly ‘off ’ but now that it's ‘on’ again, I'm having lots of fun with likeminded people that have the same passion.

4

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Newsletter/Journal Editor Barbara Qualley I have been the Editor several terms.

In 1997 I began assisting Life Member Judy Matheson when preparing layout was a tedious task of printing articles on paper and then cut-and-pasting onto larger sheets for photocopying. I moved us into the digital age and subsequent Editors have risen to the challenge of learning how to first use Adobe Pagemaker and now MS Publisher.

us in moving to a journal publication.

This will enable us to publicize our successes and reflect the size and growth of our members’ skills and talents.

This first issue of Reflections showcases the work done by our Executive members and Committee Chairs this year. Subsequent issues (beginning in June 2018) will highlight workshops and exhibitions and articles from our members for the year.

Now that Galleria artwork is posted on our website and Facebook pages, it seemed redundant to produce three newsletter/journals each year.

The PURPOSE of Reflections is to keep our membership informed and to encourage them to take an active part in the Workshops and Exhibitions offered by the Guild.

It was recently voted by the membership that we change to an annual journal format titled Reflections.

The number of members and the variety of skill level and recognition in the calligraphic community assisted

I look forward to working with members to share the task in developing articles for the Guild’s Journal.

It is through our members that we learn and grow, and sharing that growth is the ultimate gift.

webmaster Barbara Qualley I cannot remember when I created the first Warmland website, but its content has been growing steadily.

The $95 annual fee of having www.warmlandcalligraphers.ca is a worthwhile expenditure.

The page most visited is the Galleria.

Here, members can see the list of topics for the eight monthly Gallerias.

After each submission from the Galleria has been critiqued at our General Meeting, the images are scanned and posted. The digitized artwork can be enlarged and is a better platform for viewing for instructional and learning purposes.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Since February 2010, the Newsletters/ Journals have been posted online (free) via issuu.com. These are accessible for worldwide viewing.

In 2017 a Facebook group page was introduced. Members can post their work or share that of others.

As well as being the Webmaster, I currently maintain the Roster and an email list of members. Meeting notices and other information are sent to members as required.

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

5

Call for Entries: Reflections Masthead When the membership voted to publish just one Journal annually, the title Reflections was adopted.

Members were asked to submit their designs and they were voted on by secret ballot at an Executive meeting.

We needed a title for our new journal, so we asked the members Many thanks to Anne Atkinson, Laura Bethune, Carolynn Dallaire, Judi Hopewell, Linda Lax, Betty Locke, Judy Lowood, Jeanette Rawek, Pat Wheatley and Charlotte Whitely for your submissions.

First Place: Linda Lax Second Place: Betty Locke

Third Place: Carolynn Dallaire 6

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Anne Atkinson

Jeanette Rawek

Charlotte Whiteley

Judi Hopewell

Judy Lowood

Laura Bethune

Pat Wheatley

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

7

Letters California Style 2017 June Maffin In 2008, when Carrie Imai came to teach a class for Warmland Calligraphers, my friend Hans van der Werff registered for her workshop. An unexpected diagnosis of colon cancer had him undergoing surgery at the time of Carrie’s workshop so he asked me to take his place and "fill him in".

Not a calligrapher, I was understandably apprehensive, but Carrie quickly allayed my concerns and before I knew it, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. When Carrie learned that Hans was in hospital, she sent him a piece of her artwork and a note encouraging him to come to the Letters California Style conference.

It took him a few years to do that, but when he did in 2011, his new wife went with him. Me! Letters California Style began five years ago when DeAnn Singh shared her vision (for a smaller annual calligraphy conference in southern California, at a great location with elevators, comfortable beds, spacious rooms, private bathrooms, delicious food, excellent classrooms with good lighting, and close proximity of classrooms/dining/bedrooms) with Barbara Close and Carrie Imai. After much searching and planning, the Kellogg Center at Cal Poly Pomona’s unique location on a wooded hilltop was perfect and Letters was born in 2006!

Paper & Ink Arts brings its wonderful store of calligraphic and various art supplies; local artists sell their unique designs in the Scribe Store; evening mini-workshops are offered; and then there are opportunities for massage treatments, the Sunday afternoon walk-through-the-classrooms to view students’ work, delicious meals in the lovely Kellogg Center with oh-socomfy beds, displays by instructors and participants, the Memorial Table to remember those who had died the previous year, and the incredible raffle of donated calligraphy/art-related tools/supplies/art - all in a quiet and pastoral setting.

Wonderful!

By the end of the 2011 conference, Hans and I were both fans of Letters California Style and knew we wanted to return as often as possible. We were both really looking forward to returning this year but sadly, that wasn’t to be, as unexpectedly, he died this past summer and finances became a factor.

But as the months passed, friends in California kindly arranged for airport pick-up, hosting before and after the Conference, transportation back to the airport, a great roomie and with being awarded the $500 bursary from Warmland Calligraphers, it became clear that I was to go to Letters. I was eager to leave the February snow and cold in Duncan behind and enjoy the sun and warmth in California.

Instructors came from nearby and faraway including Venezuela and the Republic of Slovenia. I found myself in Carol Pallesen's class Batik Papers for Books and Cards, where placing wax designs on watercolour paper with tjanting tools, then ironing and painting the designs transformed Arches Text Wove paper into unique artcards giving rise to thoughts of adding calligraphy to future batik paper projects.

The annual four-day conference in sunny California with international and local instructors is put together by a small but dedicated and hardworking team of volunteers who create magic each year. Instructors are excellent; people are welcoming; 8

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

The trip began just as I had hoped... sunshine, playing tourist, friends, laughter, warm weather. But then, along with the beginning of the Conference, came the cold, rain, mud slides, tornado-like winds, sinkholes, and the cell phones ringing in the classroom with messages announcing "Flood warning for your area".

In spite of the weather, Letters carried on and commuter participants made their way to class with tales of fallen trees on their properties, unbelievable traffic jams and power outages. It was all surreal. But through it all, instructors and students played and created - in no small measure thanks to the copious amounts of continuously-appearing chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

This year’s Evening Event presenter (a not-to-be-missed-night) was Conference instructor Loredana Zega who was beyond spectacular! Hans was the calligrapher in our family and SEPTEMBER 2017

he was looking forward to Loredana’s class (how he would have loved it!) and while I enjoyed the batik class, walking through the classrooms on Sunday afternoon’s "walkabout tour" had me wishing I had been able to get into Loredana’s Brush Techniques class or Marina Soria’s Weaving Calligraphy class.

When Kristi Darwick suggested I join her at Marina’s "Empty Space: Creation of Shape" workshop after Letters California Style 2017 ended, I was intrigued. Because of the timing of my flight home and because I had wanted to take her workshop at Letters, I decided to bite the financial bullet (workshops and conferences in the U.S. are expensive and the exchange rate complicates matters) and jumped at the opportunity. I was so glad I did! I’m sure North America will be hearing a lot more about both Loredana and Marina in the near future (it would be wonderful to have them both come to Vancouver Island!) as they are both excellent instructors

SEPTEMBER 2017

who offer a unique and creatively innovative approach to calligraphy.

My time at Letters was very special and even though it was a bittersweet experience, I was deeply touched that Hans was remembered so lovingly and graciously at the Conference, and that in spite of the weather and getting a virus which developed into bronchitis while there, I came home with a huge smile on my face, new skills, renewed friendships and a hope to return to Letters California Style.

Next year’s faculty has been announced and, once again, it looks like some intriguing classes will be offered.

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

9

T-Time Charlotte Whiteley Funny that Barbara would ask if I would provide an article for Reflections because just yesterday I was reflecting on the work to date and the work going forward to bring you more T-times.

When I started to do the T-time pages I was thinking basically of the struggles I had deciphering the paper and ink dilemmas. I wanted to bring some clarity or simplify things about calligraphic tools, techniques and

information and I hope I have helped in some small way.

I will continue to find problems and see what solutions there might be out there, or bring some interesting techniques for you to try.

I welcome any input and if you have some “I would like to know this about that question” please send me an email and I will try to work something into the publication. Thanks for the great feedback and support.

Remembering Hans van der Werff Hans joined Warmland Calligraphers in January 2001. He was an active participant in all events but in the end it was his passion for sketching that became his creative outlet.

On June 26, 2016 Hans’ courageous battle with cancer ended, but his spirit lives on in his art, those he loved and those who loved him.

He had a spirit that was young, and a joie de vivre that was palpable to everyone he met. His smile was infectious, his love unconditional and he modeled the vital connection between creativity and spirituality in his art, love and life.

10

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Mentorship Award: Letters of Joy 2017 Laura (Lavender) Bethune the powder into ready-to-go paint.

Mix until you have created a nice inklike consistency.... not too thin! When using acrylic inks, remember that once dry they are super difficult to remove!

Do not use your favourite brush and be sure to clean your nibs well after!

If you work on black paper often, find yourself a black eraser. (I also love to use a soapstone pencil!)

The first weekend in May, I attended the Letters of Joy calligraphy conference in Seattle, Washington. It was a fabulous little trip in the company of three fabulous women — you know who you are! — Whom all I loved dearly by the time we returned home!

The conference keynote speaker was Louis Lemoine, an artist who worked for Disney for a number of years. I really enjoyed hearing about his method for creating some of his stylized illustrative pieces with that famous mouse!

Three fabulous classes were on the agenda for me the conference day. My first class was called “Little Black Book: Gouache, Metallic and White Revealed” with Karyn Jeffrey. I was

excited for this class (hey, let’s be honest, I was excited for all of them!) as I love working on black paper. All students were given a little black book to work in, as well as an adorable little gouache travel kit. Our additional tools and supplies where pencils, black eraser (a fabulous must-have for working with black paper!) and metallic FineTec watercolours, Pearl Ex pearlescent powder and acrylic inks.

Here are some tips for working with these great tools and materials: When using the FineTec watercolours, remember to get enough pigment on your brush, and subsequently on your pen nib. To quote Ms. Jeffrey directly: “Your ink-paint will be wimpy if you are skimpy!” Use the Pearl Ex powders by mixing a small amount of

My next class on the agenda was “Letter Me This” with Janice Berkebile, where we created lovely embellished capitals letters. As an aside, Janice works for Daniel Smith watercolours in Seattle, and it was awesome to hear more about the gorgeous watercolours they sell!

Apparently, a watercolour aficionado can also sign up for a behind-thescenes tour of the Daniel Smith factory! Who’d like to join me?

most enjoyable of days for me! I was so impressed by Ms. Barker’s presentation, effort and teaching style... she is absolutely fabulous!

Floral inspirations was certainly an accurate title for the class! It was very floral and very inspiring! Each student was given a few perfectly blooming roses for their table, and a package filled to the brim with inspiration on a range of topics such as creating medieval style floral embellishments, Lombardic capital information, and drawing realistic flowers. We were each given a small handmade book with glassine pages to embellish with our floral drawings, Lombardic capitals and elegant medieval style decorations. This class was superb!

Ms. Berkebile supplied us with the most interesting & tantalizing stack of paper inspiration for the class, what she called a cast of characters! This ranged from font anatomy to drop cap information, and hand lettering info such as how to create lovely shadowed texts and embellish the counter spaces of letters. I created a set of art nouveau inspired letters.

My last class of the day was "Floral Inspirations” with Kathy Barker... this beautiful class really wrapped up the

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

11

LIFE MEMBERSHIP ELEANOR HARRIS On March 14, 2017 Eleanor Harris was awarded Life Membership in Warmland Calligraphers. Eleanor is one of our founding members, joining in April 1995.

Eleanor held many Executive positions over the years: Phoning, Secretary, Historian, Vice President, CoDirector Island Magic 2007, the latest being Treasurer for seven years!

We know that she will continue to contribute greatly to our Guild and to our lives.

Congratulations and thank you Eleanor!

Secretary Leslie Healy and Ruth Rutledge As Secretaries Leslie and Ruth share the position.

Leslie takes Notes at the Executive Meeting, and emails these Notes to the President. They are then printed and added to the Secretary’s Binder.

Ruth takes Minutes at the General Meeting, counts ‘Yays and Nays’ for Motions that require a vote and emails them to Barbara Qualley who distributes them to the Membership.

They are then printed and added to the Secretary’s Binder Normally this is a one-person position but we have made it suit our time constraints and it works well this way!

12

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Galleria: Blast from the Past

Betty Locke - May 2008

Shirley Johnson January 2007

Marilyn Lundstrom - September 2009 Pat Wheatley - May 2008

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

13

In Memoriam Jane Taylor 1952 - 2017 Jane died in her sleep at home on July 4, 2017.

She joined Warmland Calligraphers in 2010 after having contact with Barbara Qualley. “We met Kent and Jane in 2010 through boating experiences and I introduced her to the Guild”.

In 2013 Jane was elected as our Membership Chairperson.

We wish to honour Jane in this issue of Reflections and acknowledge the impact she had on so many of us:

“As a relatively new member of the Guild, I have always appreciated Jane’s friendliness, helpfulness and cheerful smile.

She has always been kind to me by sharing information and answering any questions regarding the Guild or classes.

I will miss her bright spirit.”

Simone Lavoie “I’ll remember Jane’s wonderful sense of humour and her creativity as an artist. I don’t think she realized what a good artist she was.

She will be missed.”

Judy Lowood

“She was a gracious, lovely person and a talented artist and will be missed. It’s comforting to know that she was loved and deeply respected and that her life really made a difference.”

Judi Hopewell

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

Laureen Woodruff

14

“My meeting up with Jane only number three or four short chitchats, but the few exchanges we had were delightful and sweet and so Jane-like. Happy trails Jane and God-Bless all who knew and loved her.”

Susan Miller “Jane always participated with enthusiasm at the Executive Meetings. As Treasurer, I appreciated Jane’s prompt and well organized method for collecting and recording the membership dues.

I shall always remember her calm, composed spirit but with a twinkle in her eye.”

Eleanor Harris “Each time I received my class list and Jane’s name was on it I was pleased. She was a vessel waiting to be filled and what she produced was done with care and very innovative expression. She was a treasure and her work was to be treasured.”

Betty Locke

“She had so many attributes ; She was kind, she made people feel welcome, she liked to laugh, she pitched in, she didn’t complain.

She was truly a special person.”

Charlotte Whiteley “I am grateful to have known Jane as a fellow calligrapher and team member on the executive. I will miss her friendly smile, her dependability, her quiet competence, her beautiful art. Rest in Peace, Jane.”

Ria Lewis

“Jane was a quiet force, always ready to help. She had a wonderful sense of humour, she will be hugely missed.”

Pat Wheatley

“She was a good friend and a staunch supporter over the last few years when I needed her. I will miss her kindness, her laughter, her unfailing sense of humour and her willingness to help out so many times. She was always cheerful and welcoming, someone that made you feel good just to be around.”

Denise Rothney

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

Jane was a member for 4 years before she participated in our Gallerias and the Loft Show. We all should be encouraged by Jane’s emerging confidence. Her handpainted and calligraphed cards will be treasured by her family and close friends as a reminder of how much we all meant to her.

Our thoughts are with her husband Kent, and daughters Lauren and

Kendra.

SEPTEMBER 2017

All artwork by Jane Taylor

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

15

2017-2018

EXECUTIVE President: Ria Lewis Past President/Historian: Lucy Hylkema Vice President: Denise Rothney Treasurer: Linda Lax Secretary: Ruth Rutledge (General) Leslie Healy (Executive) Programmes/Workshops: Marilyn Boechler & Betty Locke Librarian: David Carter Meeting Programmes: Pat Wheatley Membership: Judy Lowood (interim) Webmaster: Barbara Qualley Journal Editor: Barbara Qualley

Committee Heads Exhibits: Debbie Craig Hospitality: Linda Yaychuk Playtime: Marilyn Lundstrom

Calligraphy friends, take out your agendas ! I'm very very excited to announce that the International Calligraphy Conference will be held in Montreal in 2019 !

I can't wait to welcome you all here ! Yay !

Marco Chioini - Director Amis calligraphes, à vos agendas ! J'ai l'énorme plaisir de vous annoncer que la conférence internationale de calligraphie se tiendra à Montréal en 2019 ! Youppi !

16

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Katherine Malmsten and Sue Gruhn, Co-Directors

www.seattletters.org www.facebook.com/groups/seattletters

IAMPETH August 6 - 11, 2018 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Information will be available in January for that year's conference, with registration taking place in March. Registration priority is given to our current members. www.iampeth.com

Plans are underway for WOOL 2018.

It will be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, Vancouver Saturday, September 29, 2018 https://westcoastcalligraphy.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

17

Librarian David Carter The Warmland Calligraphers' library collection numbers a little over 200 volumes and covers a wide range of interests for the newcomer as well as for the more experienced calligrapher. In addition to our books, we also have a number of periodicals and newsletters from other calligraphy guilds. Whether you are interested in learning a new hand or brushing up skills you have previously acquired, there is probably something in the collection to help.

The most popular items for borrowing are the books and periodicals which inspire interest and creative ideas for projects. Our monthly “Galleria� assignments often require members to look for specific calligraphic models to practice, or might need ideas about layout or page design. These Galleria activities are intended to challenge us all as calligraphers and explore new ways to present our work; maybe we will use |a different medium: watercolour, gouache, sumi ink, pastel, collage, or maybe we will design a new alphabet.

These subjects can seem less daunting when you have a book, an article from a periodical or even a video to provide guidance and reassurance.

In addition to the practical appeal of the books in our collection, there are a number of research and historical volumes for those who would like to know more about the history and evolution of the written form. Also, we have several videos covering subjects

such as illumination and polyrhythmic calligraphy.

Our Guild receives newsletters from several other guilds, although many have recently chosen to abandon the printed newsletter in favour of the digital, on-line version, thus reducing the number of printed publications we receive, which is, in fact, a benefit in some ways since our space is strictly limited to the dimensions of the library cart. We encourage our membership to consult the websites of other guilds whose newsletters include both pictorial displays of their work along with informative reports of their workshops and events.

Ex Libris Libri s Two periodicals which are constantly in demand are Bound and Lettered and Letter Arts Review.

These are very popular and provide a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of the art of calligraphy along with book-making and its applications. Our subscriptions to these two magazines are well worth the expense.

As our membership grows and its profile changes, we try to reflect this in our new library purchases. Each new addition is considered thoroughly before purchase so that money is not

wasted on unnecessary items and the changing and evolving needs are addressed whenever possible. Suggestions from members are always welcome, but budgets and trends do not always allow us to follow through with all requests. And since space is so limited, even book donations sometimes must be politely refused.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to assume the role of Librarian for the past year, and to continue the stellar work of those who preceded me. In the past year circulation numbers have been steady at about 40% of the collection on loan at any time. I see the library as an important resource for our membership, and one which is used and appreciated by all.

Liz MacDonald with Justin on Canada Day

18

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Mentorship Award: LetterWorks 2017 Lucy Hylkema I would like to start by thanking the membership for their support for this Mentorship Award. It was a huge incentive for me to attend a major conference and I am very grateful for the opportunity … and I learned lots! Six members of Warmland Calligraphers attended the LetterWorks 2017 International Lettering Arts Conference and I found it interesting that we all took different classes. There was one course that both Betty Locke and I took together and it was a good one to have two sets of eyes and ears attending as there was a lot of information to take in.

road trip down with Judith Lovell, Betty Locke, and Liz MacDonald was also a reminder of being young and free of responsibilities (and that is as much as I am going to share about our epic road trip … until I write my memoirs).

The conference took place at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, about 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City. Interesting fact: Weber is pronounced “Weeber”. I had never been to Utah before and just being there was an experience in itself.

Utah is hot, dry and high, almost the exact opposite of Vancouver Island.

The dormitory was also an experience too, and I shared it with Judi

Dorm door signs by Connie Furgason

Hopewell and Paullette McLaren. It brought back many memories, both good and bad, of being young and at university. I think that the two-day

The campus was beautifully landscaped and even the trees were fragrant. There were flowers everywhere, a large central waterfall feature and a fairly significant walk between the campus and the dormitories so there was plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings while I was catching my breath (I blamed the altitude).

Island Magic 2007 was the last international conference I had attended and so many people at LetterWorks SEPTEMBER 2017

mentioned to us how much they had enjoyed their experience there.

Eleanor Harris and Barbara Qualley did such an amazing job of organizing and co-chairing Island Magic that people are still remembering it as magical 10 years later! The LetterWorks team, co-chairs Judy Sommerfeldt and Joan Merrell, also did an incredible job and 10 years from now I will still be remembering this conference as a significant moment in my life. It is hard to explain in words what a unique experience a big calligraphy conference is, but if you ever have the opportunity to attend one I would strongly, strongly encourage you to go. Remember that next international conference is Seattletters in Bellingham from July 14th to 18th, 2018.

Also remember that the Mentorship Award is available again this year, with the deadline for applications being March 31, 2018. Check out our Warmland website for more details and application forms.

The two courses that I took at LetterWorks were both taught by Dr. Mark Van Stone. The first was called “The Glory of Written Forms of the World” and the second was “Celtic Script”. I think that the simplest way to explain how I spent 5 days in his class would be to say that I listened, fascinated, while Dr. Van Stone lectured and I desperately scrawled notes and tried

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

19

to keep up. I did not come into the course with a history background, which became painfully obvious early on. Dr. Van Stone came into the course with a PhD, a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Physics.

In addition, he is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, which means that “[he has] demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts”. I was so glad to have Betty Locke in the first class with me, and I came up with the strategy of quietly asking Betty if she knew what Mark was talking about (Betty knows a lot), and if we were both perplexed I would bravely raise my hand and ask a question.

And this leads me to a story that foreshadowed what Mark’s class was going to be like. The night before we were leaving on our road trip I get a phone call from Betty, who is sounding a little bit stressed and is wondering if I have had a chance to look at the email that Mark had sent.

I had not. Betty forwarded it to me

and we both had a little panic attack.

There was a request that we bring along a flash drive to load the photo files that he would like to share with us, 18 gigabytes is a lot of photos, but actually kind of exciting that someone has done all this work in collecting examples of writing from around the world. The attachment for us to download was a little more troubling because it was 19 pages long. And that was 19 pages of website addresses (lots and lots of website addresses!) that he was hoping we would be able look over so that we could get a sense of what scripts we 20

might be interested in. I printed off the 19 pages that evening, packed them in my travel bag and tried to download as many websites as I could that night.

The next day while waiting at the US border crossing Betty and I had a brief study session and despaired. We decided to not worry about it and instead embrace the traditional study style of “winging it”.

Back to class. I realized after about the 3rd draft of this article that there was no way that I would be able to tell you everything I learned in 5 days.

Nor can I do Mark justice by just saying that I learned lots and that I find him a fascinating speaker. This was a course about “why”. Why do humans write things down? Firstly, for accounting it turns out, who owes whom what. Divinations and decrees are also big incentives to create a written system of communication. Why do letterforms evolve, and when do they become formalized? According to Dr.

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

Van Stone “formal writing is a symptom of a culture that is satisfied with itself”. Why is Kufic Arabic square, Runes angled and Burmese curly?

Turns out that what tool you are writing with, and what substrate you are writing on influences what your letterforms will look like. He taught us to think “why”.

He also took us on a field trip to the University of Utah where he had prearranged with the librarian of the Rare Books Special Collections from the J. Willard Marriot Library to bring out a selection of materials for our class to study. The experience was quite emotional for me. There were many books and tablets and papers, including two clay tablets over 4000 years old. There were very old books, a beautifully calligraphed Koran from the 1500’s, an indenture certificate from 1787, and a leaf of vellum from a Book of Hours calligraphed in the 1300’s. In all there were around 40 different pieces available for us to look at and study, and they were chosen from around the world and from throughout the centuries. It was impossible to study them all in the two hours we had there, but it reminded me of what treasurers are out there in these remarkable libraries and reading rooms. Mark also managed to get us to try to copy a script that appealed to us. By this time both Betty and I had managed to buy a book from John Neal called “The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy” compiled by Christopher Calderhead and Holly Cohen. A 300 page “cheat sheet” of different contemporary

SEPTEMBER 2017

scripts from around the world. This is an incredibly helpful book if you are at all interested in global letterforms.

I did also manage to buy several other books which is another one of the many reasons I am thankful for the Mentorship Award. There is nothing more stimulating than being able to browse the stores at the Conference daily. John Neal Bookseller and Paper and Ink Arts provide a plethora of books and tools to satisfy all levels. I learned the hard way that you do not regret the books you buy, only the ones you didn't.

I was more prepared for the second class, Celtic Script, and although there was a lot of history and 8 gigabytes of photo files, we did spend a bit more time doing some hands-on lettering , knot work and celtic spirals. The history is fascinating and starts with Uncial letterforms coming out of Africa and into Ireland. Then Insular Magiscule and Minuscule start to appear, and somehow Half Uncial and Cursive Uncial also plays a role in this ever evolving letterform. There was much back and forthing between England and Ireland, with trips to the Continent also being part of the story.

Charles the Great eventually makes an appearance and Carolingian becomes the official script of the Holy Roman Empire by about 800 CE (with the exception of Ireland, Spain and the South of Italy, which have their own idea of what their official script should look like). Eventually Blackletter gets the upper hand (around 1150), but Carolingian resurfaces again in the Renaissance and its influ-

ence can still be seen in many of the typefaces we use today.

Admittedly my grasp of the history of the Celtic Script is a little shaky and further study has actually added a bit to my confusion (did you know Scots actually referred to people living in Ireland at one point, when Picts were living in Scotland ?)

Mark eventually focussed on the The Book of Kells, which many people consider the culmination of both Celtic script and illumination. He also had examples from The Book of Durrow, The Durham Gospels, The Lichfield Gospels and The Lindisfarne Gospels. In addition, there is the Book of Armagh, and the Echternach Gospels, and bits and pieces of fragments of pages of books showing variations of Celtic Script. My understanding is that Celtic Script is also referring to Gaelic, Insular Majuscule and Miniscule, Half Uncial and Uncial scripts, and that the classifications are not always as clear-cut as scholars would like me to believe. I am pretty sure half a week is not enough time to get a deep understanding of how the Celtic Scripts evolved, but it is definitely enough time to become curious about the way lettering transforms itself, and how closely calligraphy is related to both art and history.

The last day of the class was a whirlwind of activity with Mark getting us

to choose a particular example from one of the many photocopies he had handed out of the various books mentioned in the previous paragraph and to attempt to copy them. This was a fascinating exercise and I quickly became immersed in trying to replicate Insular Minisicule letters from around 700 CE that were originally written at about a 4mm high x-height.

Trying to write this small gave me a huge appreciation for the skill (and eyesight) of the monks in the Scriptorium. He then gave a fascinating lecture on how the monks created their intricate knot work, and had us start with some basic patterns. In a grand finale, with us running out of time, we were introduced to spirals and had the briefest taste of beasts. Luckily, he also photocopied exemplars for us of all these patterns so panic was kept to a minimum.

I have included some photographs to go along with this article, partly to show how beautiful Weber State University is, and partly to show some of the complicated notes that Dr Mark Van Stone was referring to while he gave his fascinating lectures.

I feel like I should give a prize to anyone who made it through my entire article, but I won’t. Let me end by saying that if you Google any of the Celtic Books mentioned in a previous paragraph about the history of the Celtic Script, you will find yourself immersed in the history and beauty of these amazing scripts and the monks who created these masterpieces.

This picture was taken at an amazing art house in Ellensburg ( well worth the detour off the highway if you are ever driving by). Betty left an amazing bit of calligraphy in their guest book.

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

21

Treasurer’s Report Linda Lax For the past several years Eleanor Harris has graciously taken on the role of Treasurer and maintained our finances. Due to her very systematic and easy-to-follow bookkeeping set-up, I am grateful to say that the transition from Eleanor to me has been seamless. I hope to live up to her example of order and efficiency for the Guild.

Our income is generated mainly from membership dues and workshop fees.

I’m happy to report that we have 61 paid up members and had seven workshops this year.

As well as being lots of fun, the workshops have made us more knowledgable calligraphers and helped us to maintain a healthy bank balance.

We can proceed into the next year with confidence knowing we will have a roof over our heads and cookies to go with our coffee for our future meetings. Life is good!

Workshop Committee Betty Locke and Marilyn Boechler It has been a very busy year for the workshop committee. Our goal this year was to have workshops for the most part given by members of our group or by people who were very near. The unfavourable relationship of the Canadian dollar to the American dollar caused us to plan our workshop year in this way. We are delighted to report that we have had a most successful year. In all there were about 150 participants in the seven different workshops which were offered.

We started out in the Fall with a workshop conducted by Cheryl Tasaka from Vancouver. We are indebted to Carolynn Dallaire not only for suggesting we have Cheryl but for hosting her and several other participants who came from distances to attend this workshop. Cheryl shared with us many ways to make delightful cards. Her workshop was so well subscribed that we had to add another 22

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

full workshop to accommodate all those who wished to take it. What a wealth of learning under the heading: DECORATIVE CONTEMPORARY CAPS .

In January we invited Alice Young to give a workshop which focused on

SEPTEMBER 2017

done with them. There was a great deal of interest and we hope that she can be convinced to do a follow-up in the new calligraphic year. Because registration was so great, again we had to open up a second workshop to accommodate registrants.

using the Pilot Parallel Pen to create her GENTLE GOTHICS. Again, we were overwhelmed with registrations so had to have two separate workshops for this pursuit. Alice comes from Shawnigan Lake.

Moving into the Spring, in February members enjoyed a most informative workshop which dealt with strategies to use in creating watercolour backgrounds for their projects. This was ably handled by David Carter from Ladysmith.

In April, Marilyn Lundstrom agreed to conduct a four-week class in COPPERPLATE. Many of our new members were most interested in learning this elegant alphabet. At the conclusion of this series of lessons we offered a class which concentrated on flourishing. Laura Bethune (aka Laura Lavender) led us into the excitement of trying elaborate copperplate flourishes in FANTASTIC FLOURISHING. We are pleased to have many instructors within our own group willing to share knowledge.

We continued along in March with COLOURED PENCIL workshops led

by Judith Lovell. She took us through many exercises that acquainted us with the use of coloured pencils far beyond what we might normally have

Some of our members are interested in book binding. To acknowledge this important part of the calligraphic world, we asked Carolynn Dallaire to conduct a class in which six little books were made. Carolynn’s preparation for her classes is carefully and beautifully done.

We have been most pleased with the interest in what we have offered. We thank past Treasurer Eleanor Harris for the work she has done to help us.

Her excellent records and her prompt attention to having payments ready for rentals and for presenters and for producing a financial report have made our work easy. I particularly want to thank Marilyn Boechler for her number crunching and for making the various registration forms.

Without the help of many, this job would be much harder. We look forward to having this same good relationship with Linda Lax who is our new Treasurer.

Deck the Hall Christmas Market Linda Yaychuk It was suggested that renting a booth at the 2016 Deck the Hall Christmas Market would be a good way to raise public awareness of our Guild.

Twelve members participated in the show and contributed hand lettered pieces such as books, cards, gift tags, quilts, lanterns, fairy pillows and colouring books.

There were a number of things we learned about improving our booth such as easy movement of traffic and better arrangements of the goods within the booth.

We heard many ‘oohs and aahs’ while we wrote the names of our visitors on bookmarks made from old calligraphy pieces. People were very curious about the Pilot Parallel Pens we were using as many had never seen or heard of them before.

We decided that renting the booth did make people aware of our Guild and exposed them to different ways of using calligraphy. As a result we have reserved a table for the 2017 Deck the Hall Christmas Market at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

23

Mentorship Programme Denise Rothney In 2016, Lucy Hylkema suggested to the executive of the Warmland Calligraphers that we consider offering a mentorship programme to our members to enable people to attend a calligraphy conference. After enthusiastic discussion, it was decided that we would offer the award to help cover the cost of room, board and conference fees. Two awards were proposed: one for a major conference, one for a minor one. Successful applicants would also be required to share their experiences with guild members on their return, showing us a slideshow of the conference and some of their work or giving us a hands-on experience, teaching us some of what they learned.

The membership voted to support this proposal, and our program began.

The first person to benefit was June Maffin, who attended Letters California Style 2017 in February, and returned to give us a very informative and enjoyable presentation in May. Lucy Hylkema, who wished to attend “LetterWorks 2017” in Utah this July, and Laura (Lavender) Bethune, who wished to attend “Letters of Joy” in Washington in May, were awarded the mentorship grants for this year. We look forward to the presentations they will give to us in the Fall to share their experiences. We will continue to offer the mentorship program for our fiscal year of April 2017-2018.

Exhibitions Report Denise Rothney Being the Coordinator for exhibitions this year has been a challenging task.

After losing our excellent gallery space at The Loft in Mill Bay, we had to be creative in finding new venues in which to display our talented members’ pieces. Fortunately, with the help of many suggestions, we came up with a variety of exhibition spaces for the calligraphic year.

Our first show was in the Library at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan, in November and December of 2016.

Sixteen calligraphers contributed thirty-five pieces for display, showing the originality, skills and wide range of mediums used by our members.

24

Many of these pieces became part of our travelling calligraphy show that went on to Sunridge Place, a seniors’ residence in Duncan. Lucy Hylkema and Linda Yaychuk, who handled this show, have been displaying our calligraphic art there for a number of years and they change the pictures several times each year.

In May, with a few additions and changes, our travelling show moved on to the 49th Café in Ladysmith, facilitated by Charlotte Whitely. She and her helpers hung 54 pieces in the café and on the wall going up the stairs to the balcony. Comments about the brightness and variety of our

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

work came from visitors to the coffee shop and the owners would be happy to see us return again.

In June our travelling show went on to Merridale Cidery in Mill Bay. In this beautiful setting, some of our pieces graced their walls for much of the summer. Ria Lewis coordinated this show, the last stop on our tour.

A few pieces sold during the circuit of new venues, but mostly we were able to show many people in the Cowichan Valley who Warmland Calligraphers are and what we can do.

SEPTEMBER 2017

PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR PAT WHEATLEY My position on the executive board of Warmland Calligraphers is that of Programme Co-ordinator for the monthly meetings. Eight meetings are held annually excluding the summer months and June and December Pot Lucks. The program takes about 45 minutes of our 3-hour meeting and the subject matter is greatly varied. The following briefly describes the content from September 2016 – May 2017.

Some of our programs are designed to assist with the following months' Galleria. This was the case in January. We had to do a Calligram!

Another much-talented member, Paullette McLaren, introduced us to a wonderful variety of this unusual art form taking us deep into word design and meaning, some of it was great fun and quite saucy. It led to a very successful galleria.

To begin our new season in September, member Judith Lovell demonstrated the incredible potential of the coloured pencil. She had recently attended a workshop and wanted to share the excitement. The layering of colours creating multiple hues and textures opened new doors and we experimented briefly in the time we had. It was a tantalizing taste of a two-day workshop made available to the membership by Judith a few weeks later.

Our “pointed pen” expert, Marilyn Lundstrom, who has put on some wonderful workshops for our membership, gave us advice on nibs and holders to help us in our next Galleria - “What's the Point?”

Whether new or old member, (and I am talking calligraphic age) we can always learn more! It really makes a difference to the work that is produced to have reminders and tips. Thanks so much, Marilyn.

Calligraphy embraces a huge world of art and artists. Through member Shirley Johnson, we invited Terry Ann Carter to talk about Haiku for the October meeting. Terry Ann is a published poet and author, a Haiku Master and president of Haiku Canada. We were so privileged to have her visit – 45 minutes was not nearly long enough!! Her examples were inspiring and demonstrated that Haiku is a constantly evolving art form, very much a living thing. We all put pen to paper right away!

November was backgrounds using different mediums. Organized by members Trish Peebles and Mieke van der Vliet. Four tables were set up.

Trish used water colours and shaving cream, Mieke used ink and alcohol mixed on a glass plate before placing paper on top, Marilyn Boechler's background technique used acrylic paint with different tools and I used soap with water colours - when bubbles are blown they create a design when paper is placed on them. There was only a few minutes at each table, but we all came away with new ideas.

March is our AGM and the program was unusual. We are so lucky to have Barbara Qualley as our “techie”. The membership was given a much needed overview of Warmland Calligraphers’ Facebook page, what is on it and how to access it. Barbara manages all our communicating, posting on the website and design for the electronic newsletter. She also does wonderful calligraphy!!

The second half of the program was a display of work done in a recent workshop run by Betty Locke called “CalligraphArt”. For 6 weeks participants were challenged and given homework on a subject combining calligraphy and art. The first day of the course we were told that on the final day we had to present a work using the style of a favourite artist from any era, creating a work with words that befitted. The results were displayed and the course was discussed. As a participant, I can say that the results were almost overwhelming. From Warhol to Harrison, from Klimt to Schiele and Carr, 15 artists were represented. Wow! I think the course may be repeated!

SEPTEMBER 2017

April was also a treat. Our President's husband, Bob Lewis, shared his knowledge of framing and matting.

Always a challenge to present work for display, members were given a do-it-yourself-for-less class. We left with great advice and a modest list of equipment needed. Further particulars and useful hints were sent to the membership a few days later. Thanks so much, Bob. Our first Mentoring Bursary winner, June Maffin, showed us, by video, the day by day progression of her work at Letters California Style 2017 using suggestions and a variety of techniques. June could not speak highly enough of the course and its instructors, of the warmth and encouragement she received and the way the sessions were presented.

I think she has signed up for next year! That was so stimulating, thanks, June for a great final program of this season.

Just one more final thank you to all who help make our calligraphy group so dynamic and welcoming.

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

25

Playtime Marilyn Lundstrom It was felt that we needed a time and place to bring our projects that required direction and help. It would also be a place where discussion about gallerias coming up in the future which required special equipment (pointed nibs for example) could be introduced. Or, it could just be a space where any question about any aspect of calligraphy could be answered.

Betty Locke assists new member Kathy Marven with flat brush technique

Judi Hopewell teaches about Pilot Parallel Pens

Visitors to our Guild meetings and students taking courses through Elder College are encouraged to use Playtime to practise what they have newly learned. As time has gone on, this has become quite an important part of our meetings. They want their hand to be correct and wait each meeting for Betty Locke, who always visits, to help.

Members Mieke van der Vliet, Judy Lowood, Laureen Woodruff, David Carter & Linda Lax in discussion.

Marilyn Lundstrom brushes up on Foundational lettering forms.

But the most significant aspect is the fact that everyone learns so much from the group that they couldn’t get anywhere else. Every single meeting, someone will bring some wonderful new idea, technique or tool to share.

Questions of What is? How do I? Or Where do I find that? are answered by some very special members who often spend most of the their time helping others usually by giving impromptu lessons and sharing their tools. That’s what makes this time so special.

David Carter shows off pointillism (distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image).

All this happened at the November 2016 session of Playtime 26

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Galleria: Blast from the Past

Pat Davis - January 2007

Mieke van der Vliet - January 2014

Leslie Healy 2015

Anne Atkinson - February 2014

SEPTEMBER 2017

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

27

Jane Taylor

28

WARMLAND CALLIGRAPHERS - REFLECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2017