Heeey!!! It's another day and another awesome workshop to blog about :) Again, my workshop buddy Kim and I attended, and the cool thing is that the speaker/facilitator today is also Kim's friend, so small world.
The Watercolor Lettering / Calligraphy workshop today was really informative and substantial. It was organized in a very structural format wherein Shai (our facilitator, on Instagram as @shaifalcutila) began introducing the subject and the essential tools to be used. Just learned today that a sponge is a better tool to use in watercolor than tissue (for fiber absorbency). And since Shai is a graphic designer, she taught the differences between a calligraphy text, a typography font and lettering. Calligraphy is pretty much based on penmanship (so it takes a lot of practice!) We had to do calligraphy a lot back then in Chinese classes, so making thick-thin-thick strokes came across as familiar. (Though in practicing strokes, the hard part is that you can't go back on a stroke to correct it, so it's a one-time-big-time kind of thing.) I found chinese calligraphy quite difficult though because the way you have to hold the brush is super different from how you can hold and write with a pen. She also had us do some warm-up drills and basic Alphabet lettering to practice brush control using either calligraphy brush pens or watercolor with brushes. Brush control was all about practicing strokes, and knowing when to press down on the brush or lighten the brush pressure. I'm amazed at the fact that the act of brush control can really teach one to practice and exercise both dexterity and grace. Even then, the most enjoyable idea about calligraphy is the fact that you don't have to think much while moving your brush. It's the kind of experience that just teaches you to simply go with the flow. I'd have to admit that it's one of the few times that I really did enjoy working with watercolor. For one thing, the last time I probably used watercolor was during the interior design board exam, wherein it was required. Plus the fact that we were pressured to render interiors in the medium before the day ended, so it was so much fun to work without the pressure or the stress in this particular situation. Also, I'd have to say that the really awesome thing about working with watercolor paper is its absorbency and texture. It's way thicker than ordinary bond paper, and the texture of the paper creates a definitive style on its own. And watercolor is way more beautiful when done by hand with traditional media, than with a digital tablet and a computer. I really think that watercolor is difficult to recreate with digital media. Overall, watercolor calligraphy is so cathartic and therapeutic. This experience, to me, was a jumpstart towards a new venture or pastime. Watercolor is so much fun to play and work with; and personally, I loved how dabbling in watercolor can inspire simple moments in creativity and passion. The best thing is, anyone can get into it and just enjoy being in the moment. Looking forward to more inspiration! Will definitely practice watercolor calligraphy again. :)
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paper cut art workshopSo it was my first time attending a paper cut art workshop with my friend Kim. It was hosted by the Learning Village in Meridian Campus, QC. The feeling of being there in the moment was like child's play in a sense, it was a wonderful and positive feeling--getting the feel of paper, cutter and scissors and letting your imagination wander--and the people around are so talented and creative as well. Kim mentioned that Meridian is an international school specializing in arts and humanities, and most of the students are so artistic in so many different ways. I felt a bit of nostalgia while spending time there as well. The atmosphere was so friendly, free and childlike and I loved it. Our speaker's name is Ryan Villamael, (He is on IG as @cutfelt) he just came back from a Singapore exhibition and he showed us a lot of his past works and projects and they were just downright amazing. Inspiration-wise, I really felt his art and his passion. He uses other media like felt paper and fabric, and his tools for paper cutting are simple as well. I admire how he is not afraid to take on big challenges and how dedicated he is to his vision. He described going through frustration, not knowing what an artwork's result may be--and seriously, the results are amazing. I know that frustration all too well, and to be able to rise above that fear of failure and fear of the unknown is such an incredible feat. You simply have to remember that passion and love for what you are doing is greater than your fear. I've got to hand it to him, paper cut art is not easy. It requires a lot of patience and discipline, but on the other hand it is completely enjoyable and a great de-stressor. It's also pretty therapeutic. It's something like calligraphy, you can always practice it in your spare time and get better at it. Also, it's very tool dependent--you need a nice, even cutter and a handy pair of scissors. I am amazed at how ordinary media can create such beautiful works. Our classmates were just so talented and full to bursting with ideas, and immersing myself in the same atmosphere inspired me to stop thinking and just go with the flow. I'm looking forward to attending more unique and amazing classes/workshops like this! Time to save up some extra moolah :) Time for the good news!I'm just downright amazed by how intentions can really turn a wish into reality! I'm beyond stoked since Neonmob administrators just approved my submission/pitch and I'm beyond blessed :)
I'm excited to start working on the series, and I look forward to sharing insights on my journey here soon :) |
Nonsensical whimHi, I'm Ashley. This is my blog on journey towards discovering art and documenting my learning experiences. (Particularly Photoshop, Digital Painting, Sketchup/V-ray, Interior Design, fun tutorials I've discovered and the like). wordpress:TUMBLR:Archives
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