Ball point pens may be practical but they’ve made the written word less lovely. Before their invention, people wrote with fountain pens (or dip nibs, feathers, reeds, brushes or chisels). The fountain pen’s nib releases more or less ink depending on how much pressure is used. The resulting thick and thin lines give variety and expression to the writing. This is the calligraphic line.Ball point pens don’t do this. They make only one unvarying thickness of line, like a noodle on paper.
Calligraphic line can also be used in the images on your work.
Eric Gill understood this. He brought his training in calligraphy to his drawings. The subtle variation of thick and thin lines give vitality to his images.
Frames with Sketches Project
The brief for this project is to decorate clay frames with LINE, giving it a sketch-like quality. Consider bringing some calligraphic line to your work.
Design Options
You can find design inspiration in old clocks, wardrobes, or ornate frames. Look HERE for ideas. Alternatively, decorate it however you want. It doesn’t have to be a sketch of a physical frame. Rocky is making her’s for her daughter who loves giraffes.
It’s not necessary to make a detailed drawing. You’ll be able to sketch out your design on the frame with a pencil. However, if you prefer working it all out in advance, make your design on tracing paper and then use carbon paper in class time to transfer it to the clay.
Process
