Passion & Project's Brush Calligraphy Workshop in Dumaguete

Calligraphy and lettering enthusiasts of Dumaguete had the chance to join a brush calligraphy workshop last Sunday, 13th March 2016. It was led by a community of artists based in Cebu, Passion & Projects. The three-hour workshop was held at Cafe Mamia's function room.

My journey in modern calligraphy started a year ago. February of last year, I attended a modern calligraphy workshop in Singapore before returning to Dumaguete. It was simply out of my desire to learn a new craft. Attending that workshop was a great decision because it led me to start doing artworks in watercolor. And having tried watercolor led me to lettering and brush calligraphy. Unfortunately, workshops on these skills don't happen a lot in the local scene so I resorted to learn it on my own. Thankfully, I know some people from artistic circles who shared news that this kind of workshop was going to be held in town.

I felt slightly hesitant to attend because I thought there were going to be a lot of participants and I always prefer a small class. A small group allows you to get to know other participants better and you have a better chance at learning. But well, I went anyway. And I was glad it wasn't a big group, there were just four of us! Way less than I expected!

The workshop was held by FR Roilan and her team, who were also artists and photographers. We were each given a kit, with worksheets, watercolor paint, brushes, pencil, pen and eraser. It was overall a fun session, it felt short because you know what they say, "time flies fast when you're having fun."

I find brush calligraphy very similar to pen modern calligraphy in terms of how strokes are done, minus the hassle of having to clean nibs and pen holders afterwards. Using brushes and watercolor makes it a bit more flexible and free, and easier to fix mistakes.

We were asked to do a final artwork, to write a quote or a phrase applying what we've learned. Everyone was given tiny heart stickers to vote for the work they liked best. I got four hearts on mine and that won me a brush pen! Thank you!

I wish Dumaguete has a similar community, like Passion and Projects. They are basically just a group of people who share interests and skills in art. They hold workshops and exhibits in a lot of places to share their passion and invite others to be part of their group as well. What's even better is that they also do art sessions whenever their schedules allow it and just gather and enjoy the time. It would definitely inspire others to be in touch with their creative side and hopefully make Dumaguete be known as more than just the city of gentle people.