The Calligraphy Society

Chinese Calligraphy Workshops - Sun 20 Nov

2011-09-14T20:42:00.001+01:00

The Calligraphy Society will be holding two Chinese Calligraphy Workshops on Sunday 20th November. Both workshops will be taught by calligrapher Chi Zhang, whose works have been exhibited internationally.

Chinese Calligraphy with Giant Brushes

Try your hand at writing Chinese with a mop-sized brush in the most expressive format of Chinese writing – cursive style.

Date: Sunday 20th November 2011
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Room 1.08, Parkinson Building, Leeds University
Member Price: £4
Student Price: £5
Non-Student Price: £7 members
Students book at http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/ents/event/3429/
Non-students book at: http://leedscalligraphy.blogspot.com/p/chinese-calligraphy-workshop_12.html

Decorate Handbags with Chinese Calligraphy

Turn a plain old shopping bag into a stylish Chinese art bag. You’ll be writing Chinese phrases or proverbs, or painting images of bamboos and orchids.

Date: Sunday 20th November 2011
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Room 1.08, Parkinson Building, Leeds University
Member Price: £4
Student Price: £5
Non-Student Price: £7 members
Students book at http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/ents/event/3430/
Non-students book at: http://leedscalligraphy.blogspot.com/p/chinese-calligraphy-workshop_12.html

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Autumn/Winter 2011

2011-09-03T12:35:00.001+01:00

Date/Time: Every Wednesday, 6.00-8.00
Location: Room 1.05, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds - Click on the links for directions

The details for our Arabic Calligraphy classes for the new semester have now been confirmed. We'll be having 11 classes during the first semester running from Wednesday 28th September to mid-December.
The classes are open to students and members of the public, total beginners and more experienced calligraphers alike. Beginners students will learn how to write each letter in its individual form and students continuing from next year will carry on from where they left off. Once the individual form of each letter is completed (which usually takes between 10 - 15 weeks), students will learn how to connect the letters together.
You don't need to be familiar with the Arabic script as this will be taught to you as we cover each letter. Also, you don't need to bring your own materials as these will be provided for the lessons and you can buy some for practising at home. If you already have pens, papers and inks, you're more than welcome to bring them. Payment can be made after each class or you can pay for the whole 11 lessons together if you wish.

How to: Italic Capitals (Latin)

2011-07-03T20:54:00.000+01:00

- Bill Grant

How to: Italic (Latin Alphabet) - Video

2011-07-03T20:40:00.000+01:00

- Bill Grant

Chinese Calligraphy Workshops on Saturday 5th March

2011-02-11T21:11:00.004Z

The Calligraphy Society will be holding two Chinese Calligraphy Workshops on Saturday 5th March. Both workshops will be taught by calligrapher Chi Zhang, whose works have been exhibited internationally.

Introductory Chinese Calligraphy

An introductory workshop to the art of Chinese Calligraphy. Practice some basic strokes and, by the end of the three-hour workshop, you will be able to create some calligraphy artwork.

Date: Saturday 05 March 2011
Time: 10:15am - 1:15pm
Location: Room 1.08, Parkinson Building, Leeds University
Student Price:
Non-Student Price:

Intermediate Chinese Calligraphy

A workshop teaching the art of Chinese Calligraphy, for those familiar with the instruments used in Chinese Calligraphy. Practice common strokes and learn the skills the to design and create your own artwork. The workshop will be given by calligrapher Chi Zhang.

Date: Saturday 05 March 2011
Time: 1:45pm - 4:30pm
Location: Room 1.08, Parkinson Building, Leeds University
Student Price:
Non-Student Price:

Booking Form

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Spring/Summer 2011

2011-01-31T22:21:00.001Z

Details of our new classes have just been announce. Click here for more details.

Date/Time: Every Wednesday, 5.30-8.00
Location: Business School, Room (1.32) - Click on the links for directions

Our Arabic Calligraphy Classes are returning on Wednesday 2nd February. They'll be every Wednesday in the Business School, Room 1.32 at 5.30pm. These classes, like all of them are open to students and non-students, total beginners and more experienced calligraphers alike.

You don't need to be familiar with the Arabic script as this will be taught to you as we cover each letter. If you've never been to our classes and would like to try them out, you are more than welcome. They are open to students and non-students and you don't need to bring any equipment with you. Each session costs £4 (£3.50 for members) but you're first trial session will only be for £1.

The classes will run from 5.30 to 8.00 every Wednesday in the University Business School, Room 1.32. Information on how to get there are detailed below.

If you like, you can also pay for a terms worth of classes (at least 11 classes, maybe more) at £30.

The History of the Arabic Alphabet

2010-10-17T14:51:00.000+01:00

The Evolution of the Phoenician Script into Modern Latin and Arabic

The origin of the Arabic script goes back to an alphabet created by the Phoenicians who were living on the coastal area of Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Since the Phoenicians were business traders sailing the Mediterranean, the alphabet influenced all Mediterranean regions.

Funenary Inscription from an-Namara (AD 328)

The Phoenician script evolved in several directions, with one branch developing into Greek and later the modern Latin alphabet. The other evolved into Aramaic, which branched out again from there into Modern Hebrew and Nabataean. Several writing systems including the Arabic script and the various Arabic Scripts, all derive from Nabataean, which was in use from the 2nd century BC in what is modern day Jordan.

Development of the Arabic Script through time

You’ll notice that Early Arabic does not contain any dots (1), whereas modern Arabic does. These dots were a later addition to the Arabic alphabet to help the multitudes of Arabic learners who were unable to differentiate between the different sounds (Early Arabic had 15 distinct letter-shapes for 28 sounds)

Later still, vowel marks and the Hamza were introduced (2), beginning sometime in the latter half of the seventh century. Initially, this was done by a system of red dots said to have been commissioned by an Umayyad governor of Iraq. However, this was easily confusable with the letter-distinguishing dots (3), so 100 years later, the modern system was adopted.

Bismillah Handcrafts

2010-10-10T12:20:00.005+01:00

Bismillah Handcrafts, a company based in Bradford, is the brainchild of Qashif Masud. His experience of Arabic calligraphy and traditional techniques in wood handcrafts has allowed him to bring a personal touch to contemporary Islamic art.

After looking at how Arabic calligraphy is produced, Qashif realised that modern-day calligraphy has mainly been limited to canvases. Bismillah Handcrafts is a company that has reinvented Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art, by using natural materials. The use of tropical woods means that Bismillah Handcrafts is able to ensure that every piece created is unique.

The company makes both custom pieces and regular ones. Why not buy one for your home, or as a gift with a message in Arabic calligraphy?

View their website here and Facebook page here

2010 Chinese Calligraphy Workshops

2010-10-03T21:33:00.004+01:00

We're having two Chinese Calligraphy Workshops on Saturday 30th October. One will be for total beginners and the second will be for those who came to last year's workshop or know the very basics of Chinese Calligraphy (i.e. how to use a brush).

The workshops will be taught by Edinburgh-based Chinese calligrapher Chi Zhang, whose works have been exhibited internationally. Both of them cost £15 for three hours with all calligraphy materials included. Refreshments will also be provided.

Introductory Workshop

In this workshop, you'll practise some basic strokes and by the end of the three-hour workshop, you will be able to create some calligraphy artwork.
The workshop will be at the Parkinson Building, Room (1.08) and will be three hours long, from 10.30 to 1.30.

Elementary Workshop

For those familiar with the instruments used in Chinese calligraphy. In this workshop, you'll practise common strokes and learn the skills to design and create your own artwork.
The workshop will be at the Parkinson Building, Room (1.08) and will be three hours long, from 2.00 to 5.00.

Booking

Payment

Alif - How to write an Alif in Thuluth HQ

2010-09-30T21:37:00.000+01:00

We've started videoing the demonstrations for each of the letters again, but in better quality this time.

The accompanying example sheet will also be uploaded soon and I'll caption the video too (seeing as it doesn't have sound)

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-09-22T18:16:00.000+01:00

Date/Time: Every Wednesday, 5.00-7.30
Location: Business School, Room (1.32) - Click on the links for directions

Our Arabic Calligraphy Classes are returning next week. They'll be every Wednesday in the Business School, Room 1.32 at 5.00pm. These classes, like all of them are open to students and non-students, total beginners and more experienced calligraphers alike.

You don't need to be familiar with the Arabic script as this will be taught to you as we cover each letter.

Each session costs £3.50 for members and £4 for non-members.

You can also pay for a terms worth of classes (at least 11 classes, maybe more) at £30 (£38 for non-members) or a years worth of classes (at least 24 classes) at £60 (£65 for non-members). To put it simply, it's very cheap.

Arabic Calligraphy - Taster session

2010-09-22T18:11:00.000+01:00

Date/Time: 23 September · 17:00 - 20:00
Location: LUU Meeting Room 5 (Upstairs)

The society is holding a taster session for all you guys interested in what goes on in our Arabic calligraphy classes and in what Arabic Calligraphy is all about - no commitment necessary.

We're expecting quite a lot of people like last time so we're having two sessions:

5.00 to 6.30
6.30 to 8.00

We ask you to book before hand at https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dER1ZERHN2s2dDh6NW90bXFLYzRFdEE6MQ

The session is only for £2, which can be paid on the door and of course, refreshments will be provided.

We're Back!

2010-09-17T20:53:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Welcome to a new year at the University and hope you enjoy it as much as we did last year. The Calligraphy Society is also back, hopefully bigger and better.

Our staple Arabic calligraphy classes will be returning immediately after Fresher's Week (most likely on a Thursday - please keep a look out on the website / Facebook group) and we will be having a Chinese calligraphy workshop on Saturday 30th October (so keep your diaries free!). Regular Latin-script calligraphy classes are also being organised, but finding a teacher is more difficult than we thought.

In addition to that, we're organising a calligraphy exhibition and a trip to Spain for next summer. Our Fresher's stall is open on Monday (20th) in the Riley Smith Hall so if you're in Uni then, we'll see you there.

Welcome back and we hope you have an enjoyable and successful year!

The Calligraphy Society Committee

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

2010-08-28T16:03:00.006+01:00

Kufic

2010-08-18T11:03:00.000+01:00

Amazing Simplicity

2010-07-10T17:26:00.003+01:00

The following piece was done by Turkish calligrapher Osman Ozcay, who hails from a family of calligraphers. The family website can be accessed here.

Islamic Art and Arabic Calligraphy

2010-07-03T12:37:00.009+01:00

Al-Hambra Palace (Grenada, Spain) Islamic art is generally split up into three components:

Arabic calligraphy (or Khatt),
Geometric patterns, and
Arabesque designs, which are floral and vegetal motifs usually made from geometric patterns.

Most pieces of Islamic art use a combination of all three components, resulting in intricate designs that almost camouflage the calligraphy within. Examples such as the one on the right can be found all over the Muslim world and beyond.

What is Arabic Calligraphy?

Arabic calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing using the letters of the Arabic alphabet. The Arabic word for calligraphy, Khatt is derived from the words 'line', 'design' and 'construction'. It was developed mainly as a result of the advent of Islam, which led to a desire to beautify the text of the Qur’an. As time went on, calligraphy increased in sophistication and rules governing the proportions of the letters were formalised.

The man credited with this was a calligrapher called Ibn-Muqla who lived in the 9th century. He formalised the rules for the ‘six hands' - a collection of six cursive scripts. Over time hundreds of different scripts were created, but only several primary styles that are in common use.

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns reached their pinnacle in the Islamic world, but the origins of the art form lay with the Greeks and the Romans. Islamic artists borrowed these early geometric decorations and elaborated them, creating patterns that stressed the importance of unity and order. The patterns were built from four basic shapes, circles, squares, triangles and multi-sided polygons. Arranging these in different ways allowed artists to create intricate patterns that could be repeated infinitely.

Committee 2010/2011

2010-05-12T22:37:00.001+01:00

The new committee has been elected for the year 2010 / 2011. Here are the results:

President: Shafiq Pandor
General Secretary: Mariam Azmi
Treasurer: Humzah Dar
Publicity: Ameena Ahmed
PR: Shahab Adris
Membership Services 1: Ambareen Tejani
Membership Services 2: Sahdia Khan

Copies of the minutes and the financial report can be accessed from here

Annual General Meeting

2010-04-25T18:10:00.005+01:00

Wednesday 5th May - 5.00 - 6.00

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th May at 5.00 in the room that we use for Arabic Calligraphy Classes - Baines Wing Room 3.06 (the class will take place after the AGM). All the committee places are up for grabs and if you are interested in joining the committe or would like to know more, please just let me know.

What positions are available?

There are several positions available:

President: Person who oversees everything and makes sure the rest of the committee is pulling its weight
Vice-President: Does the above when the President is unable to do it
Secretary: Organises events and meetings, emails members, takes minutes at committee meetings
Treasurer: In charge of the money side of things, approving spending, taking in cash etc.
Membership Services: Buyer of all things. Buys pens, paper, inks, hoodies, food etc. and generally makes sure the members are happy
Publicity: Poster designing and printing, maintaining the website etc.
PR: Establishes/maintains relationships with other societies. Useful for those who want to be on the committee but don't want a demanding role.
Sponsorship: Trying to raise as much money as possible from sponsors. Again, useful for those who want to be on the committee but don't want a demanding role.

I'm interested, I'd like to know more

Please contact us on leedscalligraphysociety@gmail.com if you would like to know more. This is an opportunity for you to decide the direction the society will take and of course, will be something you can put on your CV.

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

2010-03-23T13:46:00.013Z

Date: Saturday, 24 April 2010
Time: 11:00 - 17:30
Location: Worsley Building (SR 9.62), Leeds University

The Calligraphy Society is proud to be finally holding its long promised Chinese Calligraphy workshop. It will take place on Saturday 24th April and there will bethree time-slots: 11.00-1.00, 1.30-3.30 and 3.30-5.00

The workshop will be given by Edinburgh-based calligrapher Chi Zhang, whose works have been exhibited internationally.

There is a deposit of £3 when booking and the total price of the workshop will be £8. Book early as we are anticipating a high level of demand.

You can book via the Calligraphy Society website or you can contact us at leedscalligraphysociety@gmail.com. The deposit can be paid online or directly to us.

The workshop will be at Leeds University in the Worsley building and is open to students and non-students. Below is a map of Leeds and the location of the Worsley Building (It's right next to Leeds General Infirmary on Clarendon Way):

There will be people there on the day to direct you to the room (Seminar Room 9.62) as the building is a bit of a maze.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Website (BOOK HERE!): http://leedscalligraphy.blogspot.com/2010/03/chinese-calligraphy-workshop-booking.html
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=365082299267&ref=ts

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop Booking Form

2010-03-13T16:32:00.013Z

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You can pay the deposit for the workshop here

Thuluth Beginners: Faa (VIDEO)

2010-03-12T14:55:00.004Z

Thuluth Beginners: Taa (VIDEO)

2010-03-12T14:46:00.003Z

Thuluth Beginners: Saad (VIDEO)

2010-03-12T14:38:00.001Z

Thuluth Beginners: Seen (VIDEO)

2010-03-12T14:25:00.003Z

The Calligraphy Society

Chinese Calligraphy Workshops - Sun 20 Nov

Chinese Calligraphy with Giant Brushes

Decorate Handbags with Chinese Calligraphy

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Autumn/Winter 2011

How to: Italic Capitals (Latin)

How to: Italic (Latin Alphabet) - Video

Chinese Calligraphy Workshops on Saturday 5th March

Introductory Chinese Calligraphy

Intermediate Chinese Calligraphy

Booking Form

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Spring/Summer 2011

Map of the University and surrounding area

Instructions on how to get to the building:

Instructions on how to get to the room:

The History of the Arabic Alphabet

Bismillah Handcrafts

2010 Chinese Calligraphy Workshops

Introductory Workshop

Elementary Workshop

Booking

Payment

Alif - How to write an Alif in Thuluth HQ

Arabic Calligraphy Classes: Autumn/Winter 2010

Arabic Calligraphy - Taster session

We're Back!

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

Kufic

Amazing Simplicity

Islamic Art and Arabic Calligraphy

What is Arabic Calligraphy?

Geometric Patterns

Committee 2010/2011

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 5th May - 5.00 - 6.00

What positions are available?

I'm interested, I'd like to know more

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop Booking Form

Thuluth Beginners: Faa (VIDEO)

Thuluth Beginners: Taa (VIDEO)

Thuluth Beginners: Saad (VIDEO)

Thuluth Beginners: Seen (VIDEO)