Reflective mornings with a cup of coffee and a stack of books have been such a welcome part of my summer routine. The garden still has bright spots and the light in the mornings brings so much inspiration.
I am hanging onto every last drop of the season, but the chill of the air has already returned in the evenings. I admit that I don't want to let go of the subdued summer pace but September is here and I am grateful for the work in front of me. I have realized that I truly love the process of reading and deep study. One of my students emailed me and told me that she sees the online classes as " arranged education." This phrase has stayed in my mind. What a joy it is to study and to arrange the things that will illuminate my mind and be reflected on the page. While continuing to study the life and work of William Morris, I was struck by a phrase he had recorded. "My work, in one or another, is the embodiment of my dreams."
Without question, Morris was a workaholic. He was a polymath and constantly working on multiple projects at a time. His art and design work often took a backseat to his political work and his business obligations. Yet he found the work of his hands to be the embodiment of his dreams. He recognized the pure privilege of his work. I feel the same way. I do find the computer work, the endless preparation of notes and keeping up with social media and administration to be tedious at times. But there is such a dream like quality in being fully immersed in the work I wish to pursue. As a busy instructor, it is always a privilege to work on upcoming classes even though my mind is constantly in the seasons ahead. I work on autumn and festive flourishes in the spring and summer. But I stay mindful and present in the beauty of each passing day! My September Midnight Garden class is sold out at Ardington School, but at the time of this blog post, there is still room in Into The Woods which will launch in November.
So much went into the preparation of this class! I know I will return to the themes of this class over and over again. I never want to be finished with designing illuminated Letters.
There is also Abundant Joy waiting for you in a Festive Themed Study Day!
We will spend the day Flourishing together. Vintage Title Flourishes will be the theme but this class is meant to enrich your studying and flourishing skills. I want you to understand this style and how the flourishes can be combined with both Broad Edge and Pointed Pen. Festive touches will bring them to life. I have enjoyed creating these title flourishes on special illuminated names rather than full certificates.
There is always a special twist to these designs which can be designed in pencil or explored in true offhand flourishing ways. I had fun adding a mistletoe motif in coloured pencil to the Noel design.
We will look deep into historic examples as we study together.
This will be my fourth online study day and those of you who have subscribed to my newsletter will get an email with registration details. Festive Faire will also have beautiful carousel horse designs to flourish in my class for The Gentle Penman in October!
Why do I return to the flourish so much? It is my sincere belief that flourishing holds the keys to greater skills with the pointed pen as well as confidence and trust in your own ideas. Flourishing is not about copying. Calligraphers are often far too inclined to copy things exactly as we see them. There is a deeper view that can be revealed through offhand flourishing. All flourishing skills can be learned. We just need to trust the process and understand that some of us take more time as skills build in our eyes, minds and hands. But the skills do come! I have loved every moment of the summer as I flourished birds almost on a daily basis! But autumn is approaching and the summer routine will give way to a more robust schedule.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, I am grateful for all of you who read these blog posts. You have become dear friends to me and I appreciate your support and feedback. I have also started a Substack blog where I will post about things that I am discovering or reading. I will figure it out along the way! I will close this blog post with a view from Signal Hill in Newfoundland. I had the joy of visiting my daughter and son in law for a few days this August and was overwhelmed by the beauty there.
Wishing you all good things as September unfolds. You are such a blessing to me.
