Biography

I have been an illuminator since 1994 and a calligrapher and glass engraver for over 5 years. Art was always my favorite subject in school and at home. Art history and museums have been my long-time passion with the medieval period particularly exciting for me. I have been fortunate to travel extensively in major cities of the United States, Western Europe and the East, visiting many museums along the way. The city I enjoyed most was Bruges, Belgium.

I have always preferred detailed, hand-made creations of others and for myself. This is reflected in my art. The production of hand written and illustrated scrolls has been one of my principal interest over the years. Each scroll is so different needing an attractive layout and stunning decoration. They all delight me. My personal art projects gradually became more intricate. My illumination pieces include full-page illuminations from the Book of Kells, the Manesse Codex, and Books of Hours. My scrolls include adaptions of illuminated grants of arms and medieval books. My glass art includes recreations of various 16th century glasses as well as special commemorative glasses. Calligraphy, illumination and diamond-point engraving have been a constant source of enjoyment and continuing development. Through the years I have taught many classes relating to illumination and diamond-point engraving. They include classes on the production of diaper patterns, acanthus patterns, use of wash techniques, and diamond-point engraving techniques. After seeing my work if you are interested in learning more please contact me through my blog by clicking here. My fondness for history and art attracted me to historical recreation and learning in the Society for Creative Anachronism. This is where I am named "Jehanne Bening". I have been an active member of this fun organization since 1992. I have also been privileged to be the Kingdom of Calontir's Arts and Sciences Champion for the year 2002-03, earning this with an entry in the three separate categories of calligraphy, illumination, and heraldic display. My home is in Omaha, Nebraska where I work as a dental hygienist (part-time) and live with a wonderful guy who indulges my art and helps care for my feisty cairn terrier and loving soft coated wheaten dogs.

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Unless otherwise noted, all works are copyright 2007 by Susan E. Gordon known in the SCA as Jehanne Bening