I’m not sure I should admit to this as an SCA laurel. I worry about showing any sign of weakness in my creative life people might think less of me. But you know what? I’m saying it anyway, because if I’m feeling this way, I’m probably not the only one. The truth is: I have…
As we usher in a new year, I thought it’d be fun to take a step back to 15th-century Bruges. We can see how Jehanne Bening might have celebrated. Spoiler alert: no champagne or midnight countdowns! But there was plenty of food, faith, and fellowship to go around in her bustling city. Let’s look at…
Hello, dear friends and fellow artisans! As Winter settles in around us, I find myself reflecting about all the kindness, generosity, and creativity that fill our lives. This is true whether in 15th-century Bruges or today in the SCA. In Bruges, we’d say that winter’s darkness is brightened by the kindness of friends. The talents…
To the Honorable Mistress Cornelia David,Bruges, on the Seventh Day of December, in the Year of Our Lord 1515 My dear Cornelia, I commend myself to you and thank you for your unwavering resolve. Your wisdom in the face of the troubles that came before you on Monday last is admirable. Lavinia Adornes spoke of…
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.”—Attributed to a 15th-century observer of the Bening Workshop Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me as we recap the journey of Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice in Bruges….
Describe your life in an alternate universe. As a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I have an alternative persona. In it, I’m Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice to the famous manuscript artisan Simon Bening. As it happens, I am working on the details of describing her daily life for a future blog series….
Hello, dear readers! I have some exciting news to share with you all! I’m launching a new blog series that will transport us to the enchanting city of Bruges in the 15th century. In it we’ll walk in the steps of Jehanne Bening, my persona. Jehanne is a talented craftswoman working in the famous workshop…