Scribal question for the month of February 1998.
What can more accomplished scribes do
to help create new scribes and keep them active?
Novice scribes....What would make it more pleasant for you?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
***Replies to February's Question***
Eibhlin (AEthelmearc):
I personally found the initial expense of becomming a scribe a bit daunting. It was a necessary evil, and it did put a dent in the budget. Now as a teacher myself, I have found out that potential scribes are less put off if I offer to let them try the art first with my materials. They get to learn a little about the materials before they have to run to the store and make a purchase.----As for keeping them active after being exposed to the scribal arts, that's a personal decision on their part. I can no more "create" a scribe than I can a fighter, or a costumer, etc. I can only offer a fertile environment and lots of encouragement.
Phillipa Seton (AEthelmearc):
As a new scribe, I a very greatful for the attention, help and encouragement given to me by Mistress Alicia Langland. She has done much to encourage me to try new scribal techniques and challanges. And she has always been there to answer my questions. (Also, the scribal list has been very helpful.)
I think that new scribes are greatly helped by the attention and encouragement given to them by more experienced scribes.
Aisha bint Daud (Middle):
I have been scribing actively for just under two years now.
Last year I was apprenticed. One of the things that my Laurel
did, was to help me with supplies. She has always been there to
support me in any way that I needed it and that was
something very important. The most detrimental thing that I experienced was
when a more experienced scribe told me that she didn't have
time to talk to me and I should come back later. This was
my first time in a scribes room. It almost was enough
to make me quit. Instead, I thought of the wonderful people in my group, who
had given me alot of support and continued to do
illumination, and I really think that getting support from everyone, not just scribes is a really important thing.
Braedon (Ansteorra):
As a novice who is highly interested in illumination,
I am in need of more information on the basics of
development, such as how to create the paints, brushes,
and quills in their simplest forms as done in medieval
times as well as the type of paper that is best used
and lasts for a good length of time.
Simple and basic instructions to get started gives
a novice artist a taste and thrill as well as a motivation
to continue and research more after they are able to
accomplish their first works and ideas.
Maistreas Mairi Broder (Atenveldt):
I Remember when I was new: Here in Atenveldt the scribes were not visibly active, Yes there were scrolls, but I couldn't find out how to learn how to do it. That part took a while until I found someone working on a scroll at an event! So lots of PR is needed, all the time. Sometimes its not that the person doesn't know how to paint or write, but they don't know who to go to for guidance or how to get into the College of Scribes...
Now that I've been around a few years I try to remember how I felt and work on illumination or something at events when possible. As Kingdom Scribe I am making it my goal this year to go to as many collegiums, ect. as I can to just stay in view, so anyone interested can find me.
Dorinda Courtenay (AEthelmearc):
The fear factor almost kept me out of the scribal arts.
I was sure I couldn't do it! What swayed me were two hands on
classes - one in calligraphy and one in illumination.
The teachers brought materials and we practiced
right in class. I went home and illuminated two
pieces right away. I would encourage new scribes
to take hands on classes and experienced scribes to
teach them. Once people see that they can do
SOMETHING then they may get brave enough to do more
on their own.
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