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In Chicago we have had our study group meetings for the last 32 years. It has been a great source of support for friendship and creativity. Of course some months are better attended than others, and the quality and volume of the work varies. But I have always come away feeling better. From time to time, however, I’m saddened by the thought that with all the inspiring work that has passed through those doors, none of it has been chronicled. There will be no evidence that we even existed!
I know that over the years other study groups in other cities have sprung up, varying in size and frequency of meeting. In featuring all levels of works from them, the point is to show just how important a study group can be in our development as calligraphers, at so many different levels. And, YES, it shows, indeed, WE WERE HERE! This informal gathering of kindred spirits has nurtured us, given us continuity in ways we may have hoped for, or may never have expected. I would like for it to be a legacy to pass on to current and future calligraphers: a way to inspire others to start their own study groups.
So, for the beginning of this year I will be featuring attendees of our Chicago group. We have had an embarrassment of riches over the decades when it comes to talent. This is a sampling. PLEASE send me works from any study group you may have been part of so it may be featured here and inspire others: contactreggie@comcast.net
Thank you. Reggie
* * * * * * * * *| The following work was done by Mike Kecseg: "Genius" This was a piece I did a few years back for the annual juried exhibit that the Chicago Calligraphy Collective held at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Each year I try and do a piece for the show and experiment with a technique or a tool that I haven't tried before. This piece is all done with drawn letters. I used a variety of tools including pencils, markers, brushes and pens and a variety of media including gouache, ink and graphite. The hardest part of this piece was figuring out a layout and deciding what words to emphasize and what style of lettering and technique to use for each word. I always work at the last minute on something like this so I wish I would have had the help from the people in my study group, but I did bring the finished piece to the study group meeting so everyone could see it before it got matted and framed. It's always encouraging to show my work to the group and get feedback. Like most calligraphers, I work at home, by myself, so there's no opportunity to get advice or help from another calligrapher. The study group has provided that for me over the years and has made me feel like I'm not working in total isolation.o it may be featured here and inspire others: contactreggie@comcast.net Thank you. Reggie * * * * * * * * *  You can enjoy all the Pics of the Week from 2009 through 2018, archived on the home page of my website www.reggieezell.com ————————————————————————————— NEW: ON LINE COURSES! Live, one on one with Reggie Ezell Information on courses and workshops www.reggieezell.com You can contact me directly: contactreggie@comcast.net or 773-202-8321 ____________________________________________________ Click to see several short (free) Calligraphy videos: http://www.youtube.com/reggieezell ____________________________________________________ Full length calligraphy videos and PORTFOLIOS by Reggie: www.reggieezell.com |