Calligraphy as Art and Meditation: A New Approach by Gina Jonas
Experience a fresh perspective on calligraphy with Gina Jonas's innovative approach. In this book, calligraphic letterforms serve as a means to unite mind, body, and emotions, nurturing creativity and well-being. Through a guided progression of Western alphabetic exercises, discover a path to heightened awareness, mental relaxation, and artistic self-expression. This book appeals to adult learners, meditators, teachers, therapists, artists, graphic designers, and individuals of all ages seeking a transformative journey.
Jonas introduces training alphabets like "Playball" and "Proteus," unveiling the fundamentals of calligraphy through the three D's: Design, Ductus, and Dynamics. Tool usage forms the cornerstone of calligraphic growth. Beginning with a pencil, readers embark on a gradual and developmental exploration, ultimately embracing the finesse of the edged pen.
“For a culture so deeply rooted in the written word, we have not, surprisingly, woven calligraphy into the general fabric of public life. Nonetheless, I believe our current milieu is ripe for appreciating the values inherent in this art form. It is the mission of this book to conduct a joyful exploration of calligraphy in an attempt to find its untapped essence, and in this effort, to re-envision its role in our cultural life.” ––Gina Jonas, back cover.
Spiral-bound hardcover; 250 pages; 9.5” x 11.5”
Experience a fresh perspective on calligraphy with Gina Jonas's innovative approach. In this book, calligraphic letterforms serve as a means to unite mind, body, and emotions, nurturing creativity and well-being. Through a guided progression of Western alphabetic exercises, discover a path to heightened awareness, mental relaxation, and artistic self-expression. This book appeals to adult learners, meditators, teachers, therapists, artists, graphic designers, and individuals of all ages seeking a transformative journey.
Jonas introduces training alphabets like "Playball" and "Proteus," unveiling the fundamentals of calligraphy through the three D's: Design, Ductus, and Dynamics. Tool usage forms the cornerstone of calligraphic growth. Beginning with a pencil, readers embark on a gradual and developmental exploration, ultimately embracing the finesse of the edged pen.
“For a culture so deeply rooted in the written word, we have not, surprisingly, woven calligraphy into the general fabric of public life. Nonetheless, I believe our current milieu is ripe for appreciating the values inherent in this art form. It is the mission of this book to conduct a joyful exploration of calligraphy in an attempt to find its untapped essence, and in this effort, to re-envision its role in our cultural life.” ––Gina Jonas, back cover.
Spiral-bound hardcover; 250 pages; 9.5” x 11.5”
Binding | Spiral |
Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Customer Reviews
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Challenges and makes you rethink everything
More than any other calligraphy book I have read, Jonas' book requires commitment and a little faith. She takes the reader through a number of styles and scripts, using a variety of mediums. The early scripts have little real-world application and won't impress your friends or look good on envelopes. The later scripts definitely have a place in one's repertoire, but may not be the styles one implements most frequently. The point, though, is not to simply learn the styles, but to rethink, re-experience, and re-imagine your relationship to your pen, and your pen to your medium and to free your hand from rote copying. The instructions are extremely detailed, with big pictures and lots of exercises. Some of these I learned a tremendous amount from, and some were a little lost on me. This is to be expected, as it is a book that lets you, to some extent, take your own journey. This was one of the best investments I have made in my practice.
-
Challenges and makes you rethink everything
More than any other calligraphy book I have read, Jonas' book requires commitment and a little faith. She takes the reader through a number of styles and scripts, using a variety of mediums. The early scripts have little real-world application and won't impress your friends or look good on envelopes. The later scripts definitely have a place in one's repertoire, but may not be the styles one implements most frequently. The point, though, is not to simply learn the styles, but to rethink, re-experience, and re-imagine your relationship to your pen, and your pen to your medium and to free your hand from rote copying. The instructions are extremely detailed, with big pictures and lots of exercises. Some of these I learned a tremendous amount from, and some were a little lost on me. This is to be expected, as it is a book that lets you, to some extent, take your own journey. This was one of the best investments I have made in my practice.