I chose my own initial for my letter in the scriptorium exercise. I chose a design incorporating Celtic knots, which proved to be more than I could handle in the allotted time. I found a renewed respect for the monks that would spend weeks completing a design as the knot proved a far more laborious design than I anticipated. To try and personalize the letter, I replaced the animal imagery in the design I was loosely basing my work with a black dog, specifically my grandfather’s dog Sam. Where the original design had a bird head holding the sun in its beak, mine had a dog holding an oversized frisbee. I never did get around to using the gold leaf, but I look forward to working on my letter in my spare time this weekend.
In the meditative environment of Gregorian chant, I can see how an illuminator could spend such an extended period of time working on a manuscript. I had a lot of fun and I may find myself drawing more letters on my own time.
I like how you pointed out how much time it would take to complete such a detailed piece of work. During my experience, I too became aware of how meticulous a process illuminating manuscripts could be. For me, it wasn’t just the amount of time it would take me to complete my initials, but also the amount of time it would take me to settle on an image for my painting that I feel would be worth my time and commitment. I was not ready to begin painting my piece as I had not formed a visual within my head that I was happy with and confident in. The painting process is long and tedious, and in order for the end product to be worthwhile, it must be an image I am proud of presenting.