First Scrollwork

It’s been a long time since I’ve given an update of my engraving practice. This still remains the hardest skill I have ever tried to learn! But I’m seeing progress, so I’ll go with that. Over the past few months, I have been taking an online course with Wes Griffin of Texas Engraving School. Wes has provided a wealth of information, and I’ve been working hard to try to take it all in. Drawing is a huge hurdle for me, so I’ve really been devoting a lot of time to studying the structure of scrolls and trying to get better at drawing them. I’m also learning how to draw script letters, since customizing my work will be an important aspect of my newfound engraving skills.

While I made a good effort and hand push engraving, and tried my hand at hammer and chisel, I finally decided to dive into the deep end and purchase a Lindsay Classic engraving machine. Steve Lindsay makes an absolutely beautiful tool, and it has quickly become one of my favorite tools. With the handpiece, there is much less pressure on my wrist since it propels the graver forward (therefore less chance of injury), but I’m most definitely still in the drivers seat, which can be a real issue when I don’t know where I’m going.

For me, one of the hardest things to do is to start something which I know that I am no good at. Also to try something that I don’t fully understand. Scrolls are deceptively difficult, and there are many nuances to them to make them correct. I finally decided that I needed to put the pencil down and just pick up the graver and give it a try. I’m not unhappy with the result, but can see that I have a long way to go.

I know what kind of thing I’m going for, but as of right now I don’t know how to get there. I’m loving the learning process, though, and know that in time (lots of time) I will get there. Meanwhile, I signed up for another engraving course by Wes this January, and I’ll continue to plug away. I’m so excited at the possibilities!