Ann Miller - Calligraphy Design and Norse Runes - Feb 1 - Mar 8, 2023

After 2,000 years, the geometric forms and rich symbolism of Elder Futhark runes still influence our daily lives—from Bluetooth to modern magic. In this course, we will cover an introductory history of Norse runes, including the Ogham alphabet, learning their names, meanings, phonetic equivalents, and importance in contemporary design.

Elder Futhark easily engages the visual artist with its angular construction and straightforward design as well as its sense of coded mystery. This course will offer a chance to explore diverse calligraphy methods, focusing on an important part of Anglo-Saxon cultural history that is relevant today. The Bluetooth logo, for instance, is based on the runes for H and B, which form a bindrune referring to Harald Bluetooth, the 10th-century king who unified Norway and Denmark.

Course activities will include constructing the 24 symbols of Elder Futhark; designing runes as word, monogram, or repeated pattern; and creating simple to complex full-page layered designs. Individual projects using ink, resist, and watercolor techniques, as well as a variety of pens and brushes, will build gradually toward creating original text art pages. This course is a unique opportunity to learn more deeply about ancient runes and how to use them, following a classic method for letter and font design to shape your artistic footprint in a fun and inspiring way.
This course is open to students of all experience levels. Students must purchase their own art supplies for this course, the cost of which will depend on students’ individual needs.

The supply list for this class is a general list of required items. The supply list with detailed descriptions is in the course syllabus. You may add items or substitute alternatives as desired.

Class Cost: $365

For more information or to register: https://stanford.io/3DFOGSs

Questions? continuingstudies@stanford.edu

Supply List:

• P108. Canson Sketch
• P112. Canson Tracing
• PL38. Generals Charcoal Pencil
• N16-S6. Speedball B series nib set
• H69. Speedball Plastic Pen Holder - Qty 3+
• M2035-Beg. Tombow Lettering Set
• BR26. WN Watercolor Sceptre Gold 101. Qty 2 (one larger, one smaller)
• I24-6. Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink - 6oz
• N155. Luthis Folded Pens   Qty 1+
• S198. Pebeo Drawing Gum or MasquePen
• S199. Rubber Cement Pickup
• HG800-5. Holbein Gouache Primary Set
• S449. Walnut Ink
• BR26, BR30, FP93. Small Brush