MINDFUL MARKS & BEACH CALLIGRAPHY - landart workshop 2 by Andrew van der Merwe

Ephemeral, meditative and energetic, beach calligraphy is more than a scratching of the surface. There are spiritual lessons to be learned and refreshing pleasures to be had. The fragile surface of an untrodden beach responds with surprising beauty when you touch it in the right way. And even if it doesn't it always forgives you, always offers you a clean slate, which is more than could be said for Life generally!

But this workshop will not only be an inward journey. It will be an exploration, an instruction in technique and discipline and, hopefully, a lot of fun.

About the Presenter

Andrew van der Merwe is a professional calligrapher and letter artist from Cape Town. His work ranges from traditional illuminated addresses to commercial lettering, and from calligraphic art and murals to period movie props – anything that involves skilled writing. But he is more widely known for a new art form that he calls beach calligraphy and has presented workshops here in South Africa, in the United States and Belgium. His work has been published in calligraphy journals such as Letter Arts Review, Alphabet and Colophon and reported on in the Sunday Times, Business Day, Huffington Post, and CNN, among others. Have a look at his work under the name @beachscriber on Facebook and Instagram where he has a strong international following.

Andrew will also be presenting a free lecture / slide show at the Beacon Isle Hotel conference room on Thursday evening. Booking is necessary: https://qkt.io/Kprcsw

Equipment

You will be supplied with some tools to use, including a beautifully-crafted "Beach Wand" which will be optional to keep at R200.

Other than that, please bring the following:

• Warm clothes, hat, bottle of water, snack

• Camera or mobile phone

• Optional extras: A big old knife and a big old serving spoon and/or anything else you think might make interesting marks. Slip-slops or Crocs can help with reducing footprints

Communication and Weather

• Please supply a cellphone number. A WhatsApp group of up to 12 participants will be created for communication. Please communicate directly with the organiser using the number using Andrew van der Merwe's contact info supplied below if you prefer to not be added to the group.

• The workshop will be cancelled only if the weather proves to be intolerable, and only on consultation with the group. A full refund will be issued if the workshop is cancelled. A patch of mild wetness won't stop us though.

• The reason the workshop starts so early is to make the best of the lovely morning light.

Covid Compliance

• The presenter is fully vaccinated.

• The event is held out on a well-ventilated beach ;-) where it will be easy to social distance and drop your mask, if you like. However, it is required that you have a mask ready to pull up in the event of close contact.