An artist at the University of Wisconsin needed some small diameter bamboo to use for calligraphy brushes.
She wrote to say: I teach art classes at UWLa Crosse in Wisconsin. Next semester I would like to demonstrate the use of handmade brushes and have the graphic design classes make their own brushes to explore calligraphy and hand designed lettering. It might be a good experience for the students to get away from the computer for a while.
We suggested using the bottom portion of our homegrown Phyllostachy aurea bamboo (Chunky Monkey aka Golden Bamboo or Fishpole Bamboo) because that variety has a natural “handle” created by close, irregularly shaped culm sections.
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| Chunky Monkey bamboo grows much larger in cold climates than it does in Central Florida’s semi-tropical temperatures. The bamboo pictured here is domestically grown but not homegrown. The diameter of our homegrown Phyllostachy aurea about half the diameter – the perfect size for a calligraphy brush project. |
We shipped a box filled with the uniquely shaped poles and received an email back from our customer once the project was completed.
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| Notice the same uniquely shaped nodes as in the larger, domestically grown bamboo of the same species. |
Hi Sherry,
I purchased some of your bamboo a while back to make calligraphy brushes. The bamboo is great and I made some wonderful brushes. Here are a few pictures when the bamboo was still green. I wish it would stay that way but it’s changing into a beautiful golden color – which I like as well. Thank you for picking out some narly pieces for me. I’ll be ready to order more soon. -Stella
I purchased some of your bamboo a while back to make calligraphy brushes. The bamboo is great and I made some wonderful brushes. Here are a few pictures when the bamboo was still green. I wish it would stay that way but it’s changing into a beautiful golden color – which I like as well. Thank you for picking out some narly pieces for me. I’ll be ready to order more soon. -Stella
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| Bamboo is an amazing plant. It is so versatile, functional and aesthetically pleasing. |
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| A table full of calligraphy brushes |
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| The finished product…so pretty! Just looking at them makes me wish I could pick one up to just hold in my hand! |
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| Beautiful! |
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