Friday, December 2, 2011

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Linda Hirsh

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
Just before Thanksgiving, I was reading through Julie Wildman's November newsletter for the Chicago Calligraphy Collective.  I was stunned to read that Linda Hirsh, a calligrapher in San Diego, had a brain tumor and was in hospice care.  She was on my mind all through Thanksgiving, and I made a note to send her a card.  Unfortunately, I didn't get it done in time. I was so sad to learn of her passing earlier this week.
©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
The first time I experienced Linda was at the Nashville IAMPETH. I took her "Copperplate Chic" class, and it was a blast! We just bounced from one fun thing to the next. I could just tell that Linda loved anything and everything to do with calligraphy. New techniques and creative ideas just seemed to ooze out of her. She had such flair!

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
 One of the techniques she taught was writing with gouache and Schmincke powder.  Mix your gouache in a well (add a drop of gum arabic).
©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
 The Schmincke powder is very fine, and Linda suggested covering the top with a piece of nylon (panty hose).  Sprinkle the powder on top of the gouache.  Then load your pen with a mixing brush. Do NOT mix the powder into the gouache, but just let it rest on top. Then... letter away! I used a Zebra G nib.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
I sat in on Linda and Brenda Broadbent's "Something Adventurous" program at IAMPETH this past summer in Phoenix.  They were quite the comediennes. Again, Linda's enthusiasm just made me smile. She was such a great ambassador for the lettering arts.  I realize many of you knew Linda well, and I'm sure your lives are richer for having called her friend. 

Go forth and flourish!
xo

8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute honoring Linda. Very touching.
    xo~

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  2. Your calligraphy is beautiful, Jane, as always. What a great tribute to your lettering friend. My daughter Dana's best friend just had surgery today for brain cancer. Too much cancer out there, so sad. Peace to you. and Love as well

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  3. I never met Linda, but I gather from the outpouring of comments on Cyberscribes that she was one of the greats! Thanks for sharing her metallic powder technique. What a great way to remember her.

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  4. Lovely, Jane. It is indeed a loss.

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  5. Thanks for this Jane. She brought so much joy to so many people. The world is a little less sparkly with her gone.
    xo,
    Heather

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  6. Thank you, Jane. We'll make sure Linda's family sees this.

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  7. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute Jane. I did not know Linda personally, but she was the instructor for the very first calligraphy workshop I ever attended. I was nervous to be surrounded by so many experienced calligraphers, but Linda was so warm and welcoming. I distinctly remember as she flourished a beautifully effortless "g", everyone in the room (myself included) let out an audible sigh. I knew then that I had found my people. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Linda ~ it was one of those afternoons I won't forget.

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  8. Thank you for remembering Linda in such a special way. I'm a member of her home calligraphy guild, Orange County Society for Calligraphy (southern California). She is a great loss to our group. She will always be remembered for her sparkly personality and quick smiles.!

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