Calligrapher Elinor Holand accepted my invitation to give a workshop on Arabic script calligraphy. We, our summer students of Beginner Arabic I as well as our guests from the Yale community learned a lot, experienced a lot and of course appreciated the opportunity.
Here are some highlights:
After a slide show of a selection of the major styles of Arabic script calligraphy every one was given a copy of samples.
A Sampling of Arabic Script
We each were also given a copy showing what one lesson in calligraphy looks like. Everything is carefully measured. The red markings you see surrounding the script are the measurements.
A lesson of Arabic Script Calligraphy
The dot (AL NUKTA), we learned, is the unit of measurement.
Calligrapher demonstrates the unit of measurement
See the bamboo pens, feel them and select your own.
Which one feels better?
Careful demonstration. Careful observation.
Calligraphers have to take it slow and take their time
One-on-one feedback.
Anastasia Fitzsimmons: I did not know it was that hard!
Important tip: the tip of your pen is very important. Allow nothing to blemish it and clean it of you need to (no pun intended).
Han Saem Rue: working hard.
Traditionally, the calligrapher tells us, students in one group may be at different stages in their learning, however, everyone learns from the feedback given to everyone; one can always pick up a useful tip or a new technique.
Feel free to listen to the feedback others get.
Individual experience.
Professor Valerie Hansen: Calligraphy was always interesting to me.
Ustath Muhammad Aziz always says:learning never stops.
A sample of a completed work by professionals.
“Of knowledge you have but a bit” The Qura’an