GEMMA BLACK : ARTIST / CALLIGRAPHER

An edition of handmade books showing the pen lettering of the late graphic designer, calligrapher and artist, Raphael Boguslav is being created by the Fisher Press, Gallery, Fine Books and Prints. It is of interest to me so I thought I would share it with you.  This short 4 minute video by Christopher Benson explains the creation of the edition through the Fisher Press' kick-start request for support. The link can be found here .  Raphael Boguslav Raphael Boguslav Images used with permission by The Fisher Press

Medieval illuminations in a contemporary setting. Where I hear you ask: Artbeat Studio, Kingston Tasmania When I hear you ask: November 17, 2012 And the time of the workshop will be 9.30am - 4.30pm If you would like to enroll, email Jane Turner . If you have further questions email me !

It was an enthusiastic group who were introduced to the Running Bookhand yesterday. A modern interpretation of the 9th c Carolingian hand. A one day workshop at Artbeat of Tasmania!

I have taken the opportunity while the builders are here to work some "little things". My concentration is such today that I can't (well I shouldn't) work on commissions or there may be many spelling errors.  Not that this was a problem in Medieval time but it is today! These unfinished bookmarks are underway for the participants in my Ampersands and Other Ligatures workshop coming up in Perth.  I call this one Happ-eeeeeeee! I really love this little fellow, I have called him Quasimodo. This pebble picked up after a fun afternoon of pebble skipping at Primrose Sands has been turned into a little gift for David when he gets home tonight. & earth without art is just eh!

Well that is actually David Jones & I visit Italy! In the little hillside township or Cortona in the Tuscan countryside I will be teaching The Letterforms of David Jones and more, a six day sumptuous course from June 8th to June 15th 2013. I have a flyer to pass on to interested parties. Click here to download this flyer.  If you are at all interested yourself, make your reservation with Patrick at Toscana Americana early as class numbers are limited. Annie Cicale is teaching - The Artist's Book: vessel for word and image the week before me so you may like a real adventure and do both! Get yourself over to Tuscany for an exciting and creative holiday among friends in a cosy atmosphere in this gorgeous medieval town! I will be happy to speak with anyone who is interested in my travel arrangements if you were going by yourself or if you have any questions at all.

Beginner calligraphers at work in the Artbeat Studio on Saturday After twenty six years of teaching and learning calligraphy, I was absolutely delighted to hold my first class here in Tasmania on Saturday. A one day workshop for newcomers to calligraphy.  Jane from Artbeat and I got together and decided to put together a series of classes to gauge the interest in the local area.  After demonstrations and a potted history the participants enjoyed hands on, dip-in pen and ink and great camaraderie.  We all had a fabulous day. There is another beginner workshop scheduled for this coming Saturday (15th) then the first of many continuing classes from Saturday 22 September onwards.  I am so pleased to be able to teach locally again. Please spread the news. Calligraphy at Artbeat! P.S. on the classes website the image next to the continuing class was what the beginners were introduced to.  Edward Johnston was in two minds about which hand/style he would introduce those wi

This is to be my donation of artwork to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Gala Ball silent auction to be held on 10 November 2012 at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart town! "Great cities have great orchestras!" Other donations are welcome. Please email me .

A commission just completed for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities (in that order :-). Materials used: 300gsm Arches hot-press paper, gouache mixed to a deep warm charcoal colour, pens, pencil, gold size & gold leaf. The Coat of Arms logotype is left until last ... in case I make a mistake ... yes many a time! I draw and paint it upside down.  There is no way I am going to stretch out over a document to draw this. The golden swirl is the Department's branding image.

Thank you to the lovely Yoko who attended my pencil workshop in Sydney. At the end of the workshop she surprised me with these pencils tied up with string. Gorgeous!