Strange question

[morgaina]

I started a calligraphy unit with my students. We use calligraphy markers and after practice, we use faux parchment.
One girl had used her pen to do her name in a "tagging" style.
I asked her to just use the marker for calligraphy and she claimed "This IS calligraphy."

What do you think? If done on small scale with a calligraphy point/nib on paper, could tagging be considered calligraphy?

Comments

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

calligraphy can be any writing....

perhaps asking her to show that its calligraphy by creating an entire alphabet out of the "hand" she created for her tag?

its an intriguing idea...I would suggest that calligraphy can be calligraphy regardless of if we think its pretty or not (some hands are not pleasing to me) and regardless of how its used (medieval documents could be an inventory of toilet paper, and people writing their names on stuff could be seen as calligraphy..and isnt that what tagging is, basically?)

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

That's a good idea AM.

I love getting my ideas and mental categories all stirred up by having some input I hadn't considered previously. The style she penned was very graceful, balanced, even. And it included many of the "Principles and Elements of Art" that I repeat ad-nauseum to my classes.

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

I sense a teachable moment.... :)

seriously, if she thought she was being a smart ass, how cool to be able to push back and say "well, actually, I was thinking about what you said. what is calligraphy? show me this isnt just you doodling!"

the idea that you as a kid might be able to actually engage and dialogue with a grownup is kinda empowering at that age :)

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

I told her today she had make me re-consider my previous beliefs and why. I also told her I had started a conversation with some of my friends about the subject which she had inspired. She looked pleased

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

I bet! I love it when stuff like that happens :). yay you!!!

I remember teaching high school science...I had an AP class and a "remedial" class. the remedial class had way more fun moments like that than the "college bound" kids. they werent afraid to think outside the box, I guess :)