The Magic of Asemic Writing by Linde Clark

The Magic

of Asemic Writing

by Linde Clark

Historically, "Asemic" writing is a literary movement that began with Chinese calligraphers in (circa 800CE) containing a wordless, open semantic form of writing. Asemic means "having no specific semantic content" or meaning. Asemic writing is mysterious, in that it has an abstract form of no specific interpretation. It is left up to the individual to perceive it purely as abstract.

In the art world, artisans use asemic writing, or in more modern terms, "intuitive scripting", to create the look of old world language. It often takes on a Hieroglyphicesque/Japanese symbol form, creating a language of abstraction only the artisan-writer can relate to. Again, it carries no specific linguistic meaning or translation; it is a faux language.

Intriguing, in that it is not usually repeated, each framework of the lines is unique in and of itself. Its random intuitive style stays in that mysterious realm forever. There is no alphabet, only conceptualized line drawings executed by the artist and the pen. Every time you write intuitively, that symbol remains individualized and magically disappears when you begin again. Because it is not a learned science, the form cannot be copied. You can write elongated, wide, bold, with fine lines or very small. With pressure, it changes the look of each symbol.

In the world of Mixed Media, artisans call this type of art, "Mark Making”. It is a spontaneous filler of space when there is a void. The marks can be drawn over layers of paint and collage. Its popularity is growing exponentially as artisans promote their work and show the various ways they insert abstract symbols onto their compositions.

In the 1920s, Man Ray who was influenced by Dada, created his own work of wordless writing with a poem entitled Paris, Mai 1924. The writing, avant-garde; is nothing more than dashes on a page. Artisans and writers alike called it surrealism and automatic writing, and through the eras into the ’50s artisans and writers used this intuitive scripting in their works, and it remained a popular movement into the late ’60s.

Q&A with artisan & crafter Linde Clark—

For four years the Ocademy’s Whimsicalidocious arts nonprofit has been searching for an artistic instructor with whom to partner in the offering of Crafternoon Tea activities. We finally found the right fit with Linde Clark. Here’s a little bit about her:

What is your medium?

I don't have just one medium. I experiment, teach, and design in all elements. Whether it's jewelry, metals, clay, wax, inks, paints, paper, fabric, and so much more.

How did you get started in your current field?

I've been a curious feline since the age of 5. I began a coloring career at 5 which led to creating my own furniture and fashions from recyclables for my dolls and doll house. I was the eldest of 5, so trips to the store or receiving gifts were nonexistent. I was forced to entertain myself, as my mother was very busy having babies. I began my art business, designing and teaching around 1997. It has evolved as the trends have changed, and I've learned more techniques, explored new media, resources, visited festivals and museums, which opened the door to so many artistic opportunities, then found a space to teach in a zen-like atmosphere, inviting art enthusiasts to learn new skills. Moreover, I developed the ability to create a business from my passions.

How has your work evolved?

Until I went to college in the ‘70s I was self taught. I went to two colleges (music and theatre arts) before going to Moorpark College where I studied fine art, interior design, psychology, child development, and art history. There I learned technical aspects of art, drawing, painting, spatial perspectives, architecture and construction, so that gave me perspective skills—all the creative skills came naturally. I was asked by the head of the Interior Design program to helm and create the first Student Chapter Interior Design club on campus, thus making me the first president. The evolution came as I explored new materials and experimented to see exactly what I connected with on a deeper level. As it turns out, I love so many media, but my eclectic execution leads to an evolution that changes constantly. I have a passion for abstract painting using, for one, the "fluid" method. My art is kinetic, created by my own energy. My collection is called, "Poetry in Paint". I was often praised for my ingenuity until the world caught on to my technique. Now the style has taken residency in a highly saturated capacity. Albeit, once unique, now it's over done. But my passion remains.

What is your goal for your work?

To be respected, admired, and known as a unique, creative stylist in multiple media.

What projects are you most enjoying right now?

So many projects, especially Mokume Gane Jewelry: A Japanese technique where by you fuse layers of polymer clay together creating a myriad of designs. Once sliced and baked, those designs can be made into components of jewelry, beads, buttons, and any embellishment your mind will take you to.

What projects are you most looking forward to next?

Encaustic Wax Fossils: Paleontology. Elements of the ancient world. Wax carved Geodes and Mollusks.

How do your surroundings affect your work?

100%. I need my materials neatly around me for inspiration. I need positive energy around me, whether it's my own company in silence, music I love or positive, loving people to teach. The bottom line is being in a visual atmosphere of nature which equates to success and loving energy.

How do your relationships influence your work?

They don't. I'm able to separate that part of my life. My art is therapy and my escape from negative behaviors around me. I do not let one influence the other. I keep my circle small. Too many people result in too much chaos because I feel and love deeply. So I keep it to a minimum in order to keep my emotions in check and in control. My son is my greatest creation, and we have a bond that is undeniable. My best friend is like a sister, My family is a work in progress, and my small circle keeps me active and social. I love meeting new people, but my art and creating is where I'm happiest. People have their own agendas. New acquaintances are short-lived most of the time. As long as my son, my family, and best friends are well and happy I feel a sense of freedom and peace. I love to write. I'm writing a book now called The Internal Journal. So that is a release in another form of art that I have a passion for.

What would you like people to take away from your work?

That she's unique. Different, an out-of-thebox thinker, creator. Passionate. Her self expression is exhibited in the style of her creations. Her love of her medium is clearly defined by her expression in color and design. She is not afraid of not being perfect. A little askew. That's eclectic. That's me.

What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

I hope to see the day where my son has children so I can be a grandmother. Teaching my grandchildren to be free to think and speak for themselves. Be independent. Show them a creative world of opportunity. Show them love.

What's your favorite aspect of the work you do?

Sharing and learning more every day.

What would you like people to know about you?

To know me is to love me.

What would you like your legacy to be?

That I was a loving mother, kind, grateful, compassionate, caring, loving, humanitarian, and loved my son more than life itself. My motto: Never say never. Believe in yourself. Think of others first.

Contact Linde via her Creative Collaborative Workshops group on Facebook or email her directly at Linde819 at aol dot com to book a class.