Illuminating the Word

by Calderhead, Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780814690505
• ISBN10: 0814690505
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-03-30
• Publisher: Saint Johns Univ Pr

Summary

A combination of ancient methods and materials with modern themes, images, and technology, has led to the creation of The Saint John's Bible, the first handwritten, illuminated Bible that a Benedictine Monastery has commissioned in 500 years. For those who have never witnessed elegant script or goldleaf on pages of vellum, Illuminating the Word: The Making of The Saint John's Bible offers a glimpse at the process of incorporating ancient art forms with modern techniques in a celebration of the traditional arts of bookmaking and modern science and sensibility. The Saint John's Bible reflects a commitment to and an appreciation of Scripture and is a work of art that illuminates the Word today. The Saint John's Bible's construction parallels that of its medieval predecessors, written on vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand-ground pigments, and gold leaf while incorporating modern themes, images, and technology of the 21st century. Illuminating the Word: The Making of The Saint John's Bible brings to life the processes that are used in creating this artistic and spiritual undertaking. Donald Jackson and members of the Scriptorium share their work, their struggles and their joy.

Author Biography

Christopher Calderhead is editor of Alphabet, a journal of the lettering arts published by the Friends of Calligraphy.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 9
Living the word	p. 19
A visit to the scriptorium	p. 37
In search of the perfect writing surface	p. 51
The word takes flesh	p. 65
The architecture of the page	p. 81
The work of the CIT	p. 105
The page comes to life	p. 119
Tools of the trade	p. 135
Visio Divina	p. 155
The book of Psalms	p. 185
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