Cagliostro's alphabet...

Have been doing further research into Cagliostro, as mentioned in earlier post. Found his magic alphabet termed as the Alphabet of the Magi, so dug a bit further into it and found a font download I can use.

May not sound like much but I can now use that to print transparencies to use in acid etching onto metal. Once I'm in the studio I can start sorting that out as I'm loath to install chemical baths in my bedroom! Final busary instalment will take care of that set up, coming in June/July.

Beyond the Gallery...again

Have decided on the two BAFS students I want to work with - one is Victorian bridal who wants some striking headpieces - perfect for what I was looking to do. The other is all earthy colours, leather and feathers, want battered, patinated, almost rusting copper clasps for leather neckpieces - and the designs lend themselves perfectly to the Cagliostro characters, maybe with some Greek thrown in.

Hugely excited, next step is to get sketches done, get some materials together and go back in on 21st Feb to discuss further.

Presentation deadline is 1st May for their collections.

Inspiration

Looking further into the text side of things - uni library fantastic for books on alphabets etc.... found Cagliostro's magic alphabet, he was a C17th occultist who invented a set of characters for incantations etc...the characters are just beautiful.

Got me thinking about Victoriana, verging on gothic, dark metals, cushioned silks and so on. Their fascination with occult and spiritual matters comflicting with their renowned repression and strait-laced facade could work really well. I now need to find a way of transferring the text onto fabrics and metals.

To follow up:

Research printing and etching onto fabric/metal - methods, cost, using commercial companies?