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Calligraphy and Illumination
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For years, I have been intrigued by the art of the Middle Ages,
especially the amazing works of the celtic and medieval scribes who
turned something we take so much for granted today (a simple book)
and turned it into a magnificent work of art. Much of my work is in
the form of Award Scrolls for the Society for creative Anachronism,
an organization which, though often criticized for its lack of
attention to detail in historical recreation, harbours some of the
worlds most talented and knowledgable calligraphers and manuscript
illuminators. In that organization, those who excel in a particular
endeavour, be it combat, arts and sciences, or service to the
Society, are often awarded entry into an "Order" created
to recognize those who have displayed similar dedication and skill. |
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| Such an award is usually accompanied by an award scroll, which
serves as a tangible symbol of their award. The concept is based on
the English practice of recording such things as admission to the
Knightly Orders, granting of land and title, etc. with a heraldic
document, which confirmed the grant as well as recording the
heraldry that had been assigned to the awardee. However, where those
documents tend to be (exceptionally well rendered) legal documents,
custom in the SCA has been to decorate these documents much more,
reflecting more the "Book of Hours" style of medieval
prayer books (exemplified by such famous works as the Hours of Jean,
Duc of Berry; the Hours of Catherine of Cleves; the Visconti Hours,
and many more). While some SCA artists stick to the more
historically accurate (but less flashy) style, and create brilliant
works of art in the process, I'm not one of them (probably because
my calligraphy would never stand on its own well enough). |
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So I intend to opt for the more ornate "Book of
Hours" styles. It's still historically accurate, just not in the
context I use it. Oh well. It's what I like creating, and there's not a
lot of demand anymore for hand-made bibles...
I also do some non-SCA art, mostly in a Celtic style, or
as greeting cards and wedding embellishments. Examples of both my SCA and
non-SCA work can be found by following the links at the top of the page. |
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