Shapes and counter shapes…
An essay…
There is no rest for the wicked, some say. Between finishing my project for Symbiosis V and the presentation, I signed up for a new course with calligrapher Marina Soria. I am in awe of how much there is that I do not know. Marina’s work is in permanent collections in Russia and Berlin calligraphy collections and museum. Some of her creations have been purchased by several universities including Yale University for their Latin American collection. I know there are internet and social media evils out there but the internet makes it possible to establish a connection with one’s heroes that otherwise would have been impossible.
We are almost done with the class and I feel like we have only scratched the surface. I don’t want it to end. Though I have said to my students many times that “what is not there is as important as what is there”, Marina takes this concept to a deeper, much deeper level. It feels like it is something I have understood but at a distance. Now, taking this class, I can see how much I too, have taken for granted the counter spaces or shapes within shapes of letters.
Most of us if not all, draw or write a letter or a few letters. We do not consider or explore what is in between these letters, whether by themselves or in a string creating a sentence or a paragraph. Every Saturday in class, I am reminded of a drawing professor I had at Iowa State University, Deb Pappenheimer. She used to teach us a drawing lesson about the bicycle spokes; “one either draws the spokes themselves or one draws the spaces within”. I have never forgotten that lesson.
Of course, it alls sounds easy and simple and one goes “of course I can do that”. That is until one tries, tries again, and again. I am not sure if it is cultural, though Marina states it is, or if it is how our brains might be wired. That sounds like a great research project actually. Yet, to look at something and look for what is not there, for what is contained, for the space in between, for the counter shapes come easier than when sitting down to actively search and draw these within shapes or spaces. Then, the battle with disbelief and trust start.
My attempts thus far can be described as feeble and even mediocre. I have a deficit I need to fill. My progress has been very slow and stagnant. That is okay and even expected. Thus, I will continue to patiently sketch and sketch some more.
Below, I will share with you my progress.
Love,
Alma