Learning Arabic Calligraphy

[Ghost Plane]

Yes, Salman, that's what I half-remembered.

[smk]

That's what I figured :-)

 

It appears that there is interest in doing a hangout from a bunch of people. I will provide details of the hangout (link and timing) here.

 

Aaisha, and anyone else interested in attending - please let me know your hours and days of availability.

 

- Salman

 

ETA: I found the link for a range of books on various styles of Arabic Calligraphy: islamicmanuscripts.info

[smk]

OK all - I have some other people interested in the intro as well so we will do a Google Hangout on Saturday, 24th October at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time Zone (UTC - 5). This should make it accessible to those in Europe. I have at least one person planning on joining from Germany and a couple more who cannot join during the day on weekdays so evenings are out. I am hoping this timing is convenient for most.

 

I will add a link to the hangout tomorrow.

 

Salman

[Ghost Plane]

[smk]

Thank you GP.

 

Here is the link to the hangout: Google Hangout with Salman Khattak

 

I created a regular video hangout instead of an on-air hangout. This way we can all talk and I can answer questions directly. The downside is that it will not be recorded.

 

- Salman

[smk]

If you want to work along, you will need a 1/2 inch bamboo stake (or reeds) that are at least 6 inches long. These are sold in garden stores in 5-6 ft length so one stake will give you more than enough bamboo for all your Qalams.

You will also need a sharp knife. A utility knife is fine as long as it has a sturdy blade - do not use the snap off kind.

For paper, I highly recommend finger painting pads for practice. They have a slick surface that is required for good results but the traditionally prepared paper is very expensive and takes ages to make and cure.

Sumi ink or even fountain pen ink can be used for dipping.

I will also demonstrate making a reservoir from a soda can so you'll need one of these and some sturdy scissors too if you want to make that. BTW - the reservoir is not used in Arabic calligraphy.

[Ghost Plane]

Got the necessary plug ins. If you don't see me...the cable company is bringing my FOURTH modem sometime this afternoon + a monitoring device to try and see what is causing the intermittent drops in my internet. Driving me crazy and, of course, I'm the only one on the street having problems now they've swapped out everything they can think of. Supervisor says they're going to swap out the splitters on the house to rule those out as well.

 

I'm dying to watch.

[skyeph]

Beautiful writing! My father is Arabic ( Lebanese, Palestinian, Armenian ) and I've always liked how Arabic script and calligraphy looked like. I've never gotten around to learn how to speak and write in Arabic, and all the other languages he speaks, but after seeing this I'll give it a go and send my dad a surprise letter!

 

All the best,

Skye

[smk]

What a wonderful idea - I am sure your father will be delighted when he sees your Arabic writing Skye. Please feel free to let me know if you need any help.

 

- Salman

[Ceilidh]

Hope i didnt carried away with the stories to much...

 

Not at all. I very much enjoy stories like that!