Caliken's Calligraphy

[caliken]

tpk

 

Firstly, my handwriting under stress and at full speed, is pretty awful and I would never post it on this forum. Secondly, this is meant to be my "calligraphic" thread and whatever else my normal handwriting may be, it certainly isn't calligraphic!

 

However, if you scroll down to the topic "What does your handwritng look like?" you'll find post no.#1257 from this afternoon. This is my "normal" handwriting, written straight through at a reasonable pace. Not calligraphic but reasonably readable, I think.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

Ken

Edited October 20, 2013 by caliken

[caliken]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/RosalindampGavin600.jpg

[hzsimms]

Ken,

 

Very impressive stuff. What nibs do you prefer for Spencerian and Copperplate?

 

Howard

[TPK]

  On 10/20/2013 at 8:30 PM, caliken said:

if you scroll down to the topic "What does your handwritng look like?" you'll find post no.#1257 from this afternoon. This is my "normal" handwriting, written straight through at a reasonable pace. Not calligraphic but reasonably readable, I think...

Thanks Ken. I realized after asking that perhaps that other thread would have been a more suitable place.

 

I have to say though, assuming that you were referring to your re-write of one of your ancestor's wills, that if possible I'm even more impressed/inspired by that "reasonably readable" sample, than by your unarguably spectacular calligraphy as shown here on this thread.

 

Extending my supermodel analogy, in some ways the very fine calligraphy you and other masters demonstrate are akin to the haute couture seen on the catwalks at major fashion shows. It demonstrates extreme precision, artistry, but also an otherworldly and sometimes less-than-practical flamboyance. However, perhaps most important is the extent to which those things combine to exert a positive pull on, and inspiration for, "everyday" fashion. With respect to that analogy, your handwriting sample hints that it's actually possible, with work, to achieve in writing, the fashion equivalent of: http://www.esquire.com/the-side/style-guides/best-dressed-men-list#slide-14

 

So thanks, once again, for the inspiration!

Edited October 20, 2013 by TPK

[caliken]

  On 10/20/2013 at 10:15 PM, hzsimms said:

What nibs do you prefer for Spencerian and Copperplate?

 

I prefer Esterbrook 357, Hunt 101, Leonardt Principal & Brause Rose 76.

 

I also like Esterbrook 358 & Gillott 404 but I find that they are a bit stiff and best for smaller lettering.

 

For more definitive information on flexible nibs and the differences, I check out the posts by Mickey.

 

Ken

Edited October 21, 2013 by caliken

[caliken]

  On 10/20/2013 at 11:37 PM, TPK said:

So thanks, once again, for the inspiration!

You're welcome!

[caliken]

Edited March 28, 2014 by Ken Fraser

[dms525]

  On 10/22/2013 at 11:46 AM, caliken said:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/Toomany400.jpg

 

That is a lovely script. (I like the aphorism, too.) It looks like a hybrid formal italic/humanist bookhand. Does it have a name?

 

I'm really enjoying your display of virtuosity, Ken.

 

Regards,

 

David

[caliken]

  On 10/22/2013 at 5:10 PM, dms525 said:

 

It looks like a hybrid formal italic/humanist bookhand. Does it have a name?

 

Thanks, David. I'm glad that you like it.

 

It's just unadorned, unjoined Formal Italic at its simplest with absolutely no flourishing whatsoever.

 

In its simplest form, the strength of its structure is such that it has survived, unaltered for centuries.

 

Ken

Edited October 22, 2013 by caliken

[caliken]

Edited March 28, 2014 by Ken Fraser

[Sinistral1]

Ken:

 

Have you had the honor to meet any of the members of the royal family during your career as a Calligrapher? If so, what was that experience like? Since so many historic calligraphic documents are tied to the royals and members of the aristocracy, I'm curious if they are appreciative of your incredible talent. Have any of them tried calligraphy themselves?

 

Nyleen

 

Edit - As you can tell, I love to ask questions!

Edited October 23, 2013 by Sinistral1

[caliken]

  On 10/23/2013 at 4:03 PM, Sinistral1 said:

Have you had the honor to meet any of the members of the royal family during your career as a Calligrapher? If so, what was that experience like? Since so many historic calligraphic documents are tied to the royals and members of the aristocracy, I'm curious if they are appreciative of your incredible talent. Have any of them tried calligraphy themselves?

I'm afraid that you'll be disappointed with my answer! Over the past 50 years or so, I've produced lettering involving Royalty but it's all been done through third parties. I'm just commission to do the work. I've never met any of the Royal family. In that respect, I tend to be a bit of a recluse. I stay in the background which is where I like to be. For example, some years ago I produced a very large family tree pertaining to the Bowes-Lyon family of the late Queen Mother Queen Elizabeth. It's hanging in the visitors' room at Glamis Castle but I've never been there to see it.

 

Sorry

 

Ken

Edited October 23, 2013 by caliken

[Sinistral1]

No apologies necessary. I suppose those people are too busy opening hospitals and attending gala events to notice who does their calligraphy for them. Have you ever been to the British Library to see the Lindisfarne Gospels or to Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells? Even if you are a recluse, you probably would enjoy seeing those beautiful manuscripts! Thank you for the insight into the world of a Master of Calligraphy living in England.

Edited October 23, 2013 by Sinistral1

[caliken]

  On 10/23/2013 at 10:27 PM, Sinistral1 said:

Have you ever been to the British Library to see the Lindisfarne Gospels or to Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells? Even if you are a recluse, you probably would enjoy seeing those beautiful manuscripts! Thank you for the insight into the world of a Master of Calligraphy living in England.

Sorry - I should have been clearer. I tend to be reclusive in my work and I've never been to the British Library or Trinity College.

 

However, in other respects I'm "normal". I've been happily married for 50 years and have two children and three grandchildren.

 

Ken

Edited October 24, 2013 by caliken

[caliken]

This lettering was used as a sign outside the gallery and was also painted in gold on the window at about 4 feet wide. Greatly reduced in size, it was also used as a heading for stationery.

 

Ken

 

Edited March 28, 2014 by Ken Fraser

[caliken]

Influenced by a style of writing by Byron J Macdonald.

 

Edited March 28, 2014 by Ken Fraser

[caliken]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/TimStuart600.jpg

 

 

 

A personal tribute to Willington Clark

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/WillingtonClarkMC5.jpg

 

This is the banner heading for my new website www.kenfrasercalligrapher.com

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/BANNER090913800.jpg

Edited October 26, 2013 by caliken

[Obyekt]

Your writing is so crisp and clean that it almost looks computer generated. I could only dream of being able to do that.

How do you get the shading like that? The W in the second to last picture looks so real and tangible a breeze of wind might just blow it away.

[caliken]

Obyekt :

 

I draw the letter in outline, colour with paint and/or coloured pencils and then I try to visualise the effect of a light shining across the letter from a particular direction, in this case from the upper lerft. I then add the shadows with a soft pencil, making many adjustments until the letter appears to lift from the page. It takes me a long time to achieve a satisfactory result, but it is fun.

 

Ken

[SilverBullet400]

OM*G!! 8o Where's that little animated "worshipping" emoticon when you need it... !!?? I would have sworn over a fire that all that gorgeous stuff up there was laser printed!! Just amazing.