Anna Akhmatova's Requiem for the SLLA exhibition
I nearly did not submit a piece of work for this year's South London Lettering Association SLLA exhibition. With a toddler and a three month old, I didn't think I would have the gumption to get it done. Last year I exhibited a commissioned work which I had already prepared, but this year I needed to create something specifically for the exhibition. With the theme, Romance & Revolution: commemorating 200 years since Jane Austen's death and 100 years since the Russian Revolution, it would be natural for my experience with the traditionally romantic copperplate script to inspire me toward Jane Austen. However, I was drawn to the Russian Revolution, and quickly decided that I would not only work with a key piece of prose of the time, but that I would also capture both English and Russian versions.
I discovered seminal poet, Anna Akhmatova's Requiem resonated with me. In particular:
I have woven you this wide shroud out of the humble words I overheard you use. Everywhere, forever and always, I will never forget one single thing. Even in new grief.
Для них соткала я широкий покров Из бедных, у них же подслушанных слов. О них вспоминаю всегда и везде, О них не забуду и в новой беде
Creating bilingual calligraphy for the SLLA exhibition
My first task was to find the Russian text of the poem. I could easily find the English translation, but not the original, so I asked Anton at Ufoblique Penholders to help me out. Then I set to work studying the Cyrillic alphabet and determining how to create the letters in Copperplate script. I sought help from local Russian mums via Facebook groups, as well as the lovely calligraphy community on Instagram, to make sure that my script was correct and legible. (I really hope it is!)
This piece is purely my own design, not for a client, and I felt a great sense of freedom for where it could go. I ruminated over a number of nights letting thoughts develop into what could be possible. Black, red and strength were my inspiration.
I wanted a striking juxtaposition of the two languages. I work predominantly in fine, pointed pen scripts such as Copperplate, Spencerian, Uncial and modern calligraphy, so it seems crazy that I decided to create the English translation with Roman capitals — the most daunting of broad-edged hands, which I have never even dared attempt. I dunno, I just decided that's what needed to be done, so I grabbed my copy of Veiko Kespersaks' Calligraphy in 24 One-Hour Lessonsand hoped for the best!
My intention was for these English letters to be a curtain, a shroud,a backdrop — almost illegible and unimportant — to the original text. It's why I wasn't worried that words wrapped from line to line, rather than being complete. The letters had to be bold enough to carry the weight of this duty, yet light enough that the Cyrillic script stood out on top. I created the Roman capitals in watercolour, ensuring that the letters faded significantly in the centre where the Russian would overlay. For the Russian prose — the main feature — it had to be delicate yet striking, hence created in blood red copperplate script.
Although my Roman caps would make someone more experienced cringe, I feel heartened by the fact that SLLA welcomes amateurs and the piece itself is written by a woman who was not following the rules but succeeding nonetheless. I'm so proud of this piece for so many reasons:
- I challenged myself to develop a new alphabet into my existing script
- I shook off my nerves and just bloody well painted some Roman capitals, Sinatra style (aka, my way)
- I learned to cut mount board, you know — fancy angles and whatnot and did that too
I'm so excited to be showcasing this piece (which is also for sale, FYI, wink wink). I hope that if you're in London between Oct 17 – Nov 3, that you might just drop in to the SLLA exhibition and see it in the flesh, alongside some fantastic works from local calligraphers.
I also welcome all feedback, but don't tell me I spelt something wrong in Russian or I'll cry.
Recycling Amazon packaging for fun hand lettered projects
When Joyce from Artsy Nibs recently shared a fun hand lettered project by revamping her Amazon packaging, I just had to give it a go.
Turned that @AmazonUK packaging paper into a wall decor. Gonna be humming to @OneRepublic everyday now. #letteringpic.twitter.com/hgIR8TFQ6o
— Joyce Lee (@artsynibs) September 13, 2016
I had a brief window this weekend to try it out — yep, a rush job — but thought I'd get a feel for it at least. My first hand lettered project attempt was for a wall hanging of my favourite poem, Desiderata, featuring black writing with gold highlights of key (positive) words:
For this I used black Parker Quink and Speedball gold and a size 6 round brush. The black bled a little with too much on the brush, and seemed to flow better after I'd first dipped the brush in water. The gold was not as vibrant as these pics imply, but was a lovely contrast of the positive words regardless. When I have more time, I'll test other inks and paints to see what works best.
Have you revamped something unsuspecting lately? I love that I can give this paper a little longer life — whether as a wall hanging, or some wrapping paper (my second fun hand lettered project for some ventilator bonnets for First Touch). Let me know in the comments, or share with me on social media tagging @oliveandreid.
A pretty little giveaway: wattle you win?
I'm often 'giving away' a lot of calligraphy and lettering information here on the blog, but have never given away a prize. Today, it begins. Giveaways giveaways giveaways! A wattle giveaway, to be precise. How exciting! At this year's South London Lettering Association's exhibition — themed 'celebrations and festivities' — I'll be exhibiting a celebration of my Australian heritage with two floral prints. Featuring Callistemon Citrinus (Bottle Brush) and Acacia Pycnantha (Golden Wattle), these two A6 pieces combine watercolour illustration with brush lettering and calligraphy script.
I'm really excited to be exhibiting for the first time and wanted to share it with you, not just the description, but the real life, real deal original artwork.
Your golden ticket to the golden wattle
In this wattle giveaway, I'm offering the chance to win not one, but two!, original A6 hand lettered and illustrated print of Australia's national flower, the Golden Wattle.
All you need to do to win is fill out the widget below. The competition ends on 25 September 2016.
It's worth noting: as I try to be a calligrapher with a conscience, this artwork has been created on exceptionally high quality paper (300gsm cold pressed watercolour) that I have reused after trialling another artwork on the other side.
Good luck!
The serious bit — Ts and Cs
Let's keep it light, but real. Here is some information that you might want to know.
- This giveaway is for 2 x A6 original print featuring wattle illustration and hand lettering, as pictured or similar
- Anyone is eligible to enter. The prize will be sent wherever you are in the world
- We us Rafflecopter to run the competition, and this service allows us to randomly pick a winner once the competition has ended. The winner will be announced on the blog post, and contacted directly afterwards.
- By entering the competition, you'll be added to our mailing list (monthly updates and news about giveaways, new prints and limited editions). You can unsubscribe from the mailing list at any time.
Kate x