In Copperplate Calligraphy class, the graceful letters seem to appear magically under the pen nib of instructor Karen Gorst. After week four of this five week course, I'm beginning to be drawn into the mystery myself. For the average novice, learning calligraphy is an exercise in patience. Self-awareness, careful hand control and an eye for shape analysis are some of the skills acquired by the scribe. Judging by the range of talent in the class, this complex skill set is amazingly within the reach of human ability.

For me, after week two in the class, it was easy to forget that humans were responsible for inventing calligraphy. While some of my classmates were excelling under Karen's instruction, I needed remedial attention before advancing to new letterforms. Thankfully, the meditative quality of calligraphy actually helps to prevent frustration, and after a few more classes, my skills had improved enormously. The motions begin to become automatic, the eye recognizes patterns, the hand starts to gain purpose and can execute the elegant transition from thick to thin and back again. Karen's class has provided a technical foundation and has offered a seductive glimpse into the practice and possibilities of calligraphy, both formally and psychologically.

Corinna Zeltsman is an artist, printmaker, and staff member at the Center for Book Arts. To see more pictures from this class, click here.

Thanks to CBA member Daniel K. Smith! He contributed this description of the recent class by Julie Chen, our 2008 Sally R. Bishop Faculty Fellow:

In the Julie Chen's Masterclass, The Editioned Book from Start to Finish, six individuals produced an edition of nine quality books filled with strong images and ideas. Julie Chen did a superb job of guiding the group to form a basic concept and develop the images into a cohesive work of art. Each student contributed one page based on Julie's suggested guide lines and theme. Each had a good background in some element of the production process, either binding, printing or assembly.

As someone who's taken many classes at the Center over the years, this was a special opportunity to use my skills and work with a highly respected and accomplished artist. I'm thrilled with the result.

- Daniel K. Smith, Strike Three Press

Click here to see more photos from the Masterclass.

To see more of Julie Chen's work, please visit her at Flying Fish Press.