I went to Winchester yesterday. After I had been to LCE and sorted out the teething problems with my new camera, I decided to go into the cathedral.
My eye was drawn to Helen sitting at the 'scribes' desk. I determined to ask her for a portrait if she was still there on my way out.
As always the cathedral provided some photo opportunities: the crypt floor had that jigsaw pattern which results from it drying out after receding flooding; the choir stalls provided another shot and then I went back to Helen, told her about my project explaining that I'd like now to try a slightly different portrait style from the head and shoulders I've been capturing and photograph more of my subject setting them in context. She was slightly hesitant but agreed I could take a shot.
I asked about the volunteer scribes and found that there is a group of them who engage in the calligraphy and also take turns to 'man' the desk. In the sixth form at school I learnt some calligraphy which I mentioned. Helen surprised me by asking if I'd like to join them.
Helen was about to hand over to Richard, a volunteer who arrived whilst we were talking and who told me he is learning calligraphy. So, after that and at her suggestion, we went over to the refectory for a cup of tea and sat outside in the lovely summer's day and had a chat until fat drops of summer rain started falling.
One other hobby which Helen spoke about was carving and sculpting from Portland stone.
So it seems that my strangers' project has opened up another avenue for me.....
It's a wonderful portrait, and you have captured her cheerfulness. An interesting note, what I like about calligraphy is the artistry of the captial letter.
I like the background. My clearest memory from my one visit to this cathedral is of the memorials to soldiers lost in distant parts and forgotten wars.
Lovely portrait a nice happy smile and it sounds very interesting, I hope you enjoy the calligraphy if you decide to go ahead. I have taken night classes and learnt, calligraphy, copperplate, uncial and gothic all were lovely to learn and I thoughly enjoyed the experience.
A great portrait of this nice looking Lady. Great series to.
( I`ve done Calligraphy in the past. Making harter, document, muniment a.s.o. . Have to stop for medical reason. Still have the pen`s I`ve use. if you like to have them you can, although they are old fashion pen`s and I do n`t know of the ink and the holder I`ve used is aviable any more).
And for every type of letter you need the matching pen for it.
A lovely portrait of Helen with a winning smile and background. I love to see calligraphy and had a dabble a long time ago but never carried it very far.
Thank you for the offer of pens. I have to wait for the next workshop to see what I might need. I'll be in touch if I'd like to have them but might be quite a while before I know.
I just love this project Hazel, you meet so many interesting people. Are you going to volunteer? My partner is also into Calligraphy but in a very secular fashion. Fav
June 11th, 2016
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Yes, maybe and I think it would be a good antidote to all this tapping on a keyboard!
Do you still have any of her pieces, Babs?
Yes, I always wrote those in red, the rest being in black. Ray is going to get in the loft to see if I kept what I did!
Tim, a couple of shots of those:
http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/365/2013-11-29
http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/add-ins/2015-02-08
( I`ve done Calligraphy in the past. Making harter, document, muniment a.s.o. . Have to stop for medical reason. Still have the pen`s I`ve use. if you like to have them you can, although they are old fashion pen`s and I do n`t know of the ink and the holder I`ve used is aviable any more).
And for every type of letter you need the matching pen for it.
The table lamp helps with the lighting . If it was tiltable you could have pointed it slightly higher for a really awesome bit of lighting :)
Thanks for the tip which I'll try to remember if I'm in a similar situation, Phil!
Thank you for the offer of pens. I have to wait for the next workshop to see what I might need. I'll be in touch if I'd like to have them but might be quite a while before I know.