John Stevens | Western Brush II (the hybrid years)

The brush, both practical tool and expressive, explorative medium (and anything in between) holds potential for anybody. 
On one hand we use it creatively to express and explore new possibilities in writing and mark-making. On the other; a system is called for, that leads to craft or confidence and usability . You can write, draw or paint with a brush. The plan is to approach this in an integrative way.

We will start with a brief review of brush basics (all levels welcome, so safe you will be) , basic skills & exercises: getting comfortable with the brush and basic syntax. Brush writing will be featured with forays into built-up and other techniques.
We will explore dimensions of the brush (width & depth) for both broad and then pointed brushes. The final will be exploring the relationships between and around something I call "hybrid" or "edging"; where rhythm, movement and weighting is re-thought, re-imagined, allowing us to put our expressive "stamp" on our work. 

My goal (for the class): that you find your level and then a bit more,  gain confidence in writing texts, and to work with you on design of these texts (and text hand modification) plus a healthy dose of practice (you want to handle that thing) , experimentation and feedback (critique).
You should end up with plenty of ideas to work on at home after the week. This approach will be relevant not only to brush-writing but all calligraphy.  We will be working toward our own feeling in writing and breaking some western conventions in the process.

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