Medieval Mayhem
I’m preparing once again to take up the quill. That is, I’m going back to studying the art of beautiful writing, Calligraphy. Throughout my uni year I have used it for many of my folios and assignments. When queried by my lecturers, they were surprised to learn that I was once a calligrapher. “Why did you stop?” was the most frequent question. I suppose lots of other stuff came up, life’s like that.
You’ve seen from a previous calligraphic post that I like to combine images with my letterforms. This is something that I am really keen to explore further. I have been invited by a fellow student/artist if I would like to apply for an exhibition opportunity. Calligraphic Painting sprang instantly to mind. So, as a result I have become OCD with resurrecting my calligraphic past. I’ve rejoined my Guild back in Perth, arranged for long distance lessons from my brilliant teacher of ten years ago, and dug out the box with all my assorted accroutrements. Alas all my nibs are rusted and some inks evaporated. Nothing like a bit of online shopping to sort that out. If you get a chance, www.willsquills.com.au will make your mouth water. I’ve ordered the most eclectic (but essential you understand) of items: Vellum, Papyrus, Gum Sandarac, Scroll and Oblique nibs, Resevoirs, Bleedproof White, the list goes on. I think this will have to count as my Chrissy Pressie for at least 3 years!
I’m also now examining books on medieval Illuminated Manuscripts, eg The Book of Kells, The Book of Hours etc. It’s hard not to get caught up in the mindset of those cultures from so long ago. Then I remembered my visit to the Medieval Fayre last year just before me moved. It was amazing!
There was a lunch time parade - the rain had just passed over. Here are the King & Queen with Courtiers in tow.
The Knights were quite spectacular.
Although the horse appeared to be hobbled by the disappearance of two of it’s legs.
There were fierce battles waged in the arena, which was fast becoming a mud bog pit.
The Romans, under the guidance of Caesar (purple socks), dispatched the Barbarians post haste.
Costumes everywhere were fabulous. This Maiden had the most gorgeous ensemble, dragging in the mud.
Totally not in keeping with the era, she reaches for her…
Digital camera!
There were stalls that sold everything medieval - you need never go anywhere without your leather gauntlets or steel breastplate. I was given many business cards “just in case” I had a chain mail emergency. (I only just took them out of my wallet the other day!)
There was a fully operational forge, hammering out all manner of lethal weaponry.
Burly Boys make for good photo ops!
There was another photo of myself with a red bearded viking in a pub, but it was getting messy by that stage….tippling too many tankards of warm mead and mulled wine.
If you ever get the chance to spend the day at one of these Carnivals, jump at it - they’re a glimpse into another time and place. Just go easy on the mead!
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Cindy , I am so excited you have taken up Calligraphy again.
I love, love, love the things I have seen here on your blog.
I can’t wait to see what you are going to create.
I know it is going to be amazing whatever you produce.
That`s one thing I`ve always wanted to learn , Calligraphy…..It looks totally amazing….
Oh Cindy medievil is my all time favourite…..Anything to do with medievil and i`m there…I have a favourite shop here in Adelaide that sells some pretty amazing stuff…..I`m sure I was born in the wrong era….lol
What fun and love the dresses……I could get ideas of parade with the armour, instead of restricting myself to cowboys and indians….
The calligraphy is such an elegant art form…look forward to a sample..
Oh yes the mead…..
MMMMMM…… Mead….. !!!!!!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I think you are right we have lots in common. In addition to doing calligraphy I’m also doing a Masters in Medieval Manuscipts focusing on the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Well done on picking up calligraphic tools again. I must admit if it wasn’t for my weekly class I might not do as much as I do now. Callligraphy for me is the most relaxing and meditative experience, the ink flows and I relax. I know you live in the Wilds somewhere but if you get the chance you should try to make Summer School in Winter the Victorian Calligraphy Society’s yearly school in June/July. They always manage to get some fantastic overseas tutors.
Hopefully will hear from you again.
Cheersluvvy,
Karen (aka Purpleberries)
Looks like fun, now I want to see the photo of you and the red-bearded viking getting messy in the pub!
They are really into living history like that in Denmark (the European one, not the WA one). My godsons and their Grandma used to spend days in a village recreation, wearing the clothes, eating the food and living as their ancestors did. It was a wonderful chance for them to live their history as well as providing real life scenes for visitors (like Soveriegn Hill in Ballarat, Victoria, but anyone can join in). I remember watching some amazing huge catapult machine they’d built there, flinging huge boulders into the fields. Realistic, without the gruesome bloodshed….. The boys loved it!
Great to hear about the calligraphy, look forward to seeing the fruits of your labours.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to stop by.
It’s been a frustrating time lately - modem wodes. I just look at it the wrong way and it drops out.
Earlier this evening I wrote a very lengthy reply to you all -alas the modem dropped out and “poof” it was gone. Fingers crossed second time around….
Doda, I’m so glad you like what you see - ditto with the gorgeousness of your own blog.
Mandy, we’ll get ourselves a Tardis and visit all those good times - past and future!
Elizabeth, I’d LOVE to see you all armoured up astride a sturdy steed!
Kim, Mmmmm…Vikings!
Karen, you lucky, lucky girl! To be studying such wonderful subjects for your Masters! I’ll definately check out the Vic Society, workshops are awesome.
Tazar, I’ll have to set a blog specifically for Blooper pics (for all the “messy” ones!) Any you can contribute?
What great costumes. We used to take our school kids to Medieval shows and they were enthralled especially with the weapons and the blood and guts stuff.
I ‘m looking forward to seeing results of Calligraphy dabbling. I used to try it when I made my own christmas cards.
Know the feeling about IT woes. I’m having problems with my anti virus program. Would your modem problem be associated with electrical storms?
Must be something to do with the line. I’m loathe to install another modem, go through all the configuration nightmare with the emails, passwords etc with Big Bad T*elstra, only to find out that it IS the line. I might have a chat with them to check the connection first. I reckon I’ll only be waiting on the line for 45 mins……
*lool* i like the birkenstock horse best
a belated happy new year to you, my friend!
e.