Artisan/Scientist of the Month

October 2008

⇐ Ysabeau Tiercelin

November 2008

Sophie Davenport

Sophie Davenport is a gifted calligrapher (and illuminator) who balances artistic pursuits with service. It was told to me by a Spaniard that she fed a horde of hungry, under-caffeinated Samurai and Vikings nearly every day at Pennsic this year and her lord's skill with tools reaches mystical proportions. Having seen this fine lady (and her lord) in action, I am willing to believe both.

She carries with her the "Big Book of Inspiration", which is filled with beautiful and complex scrolls that she has used as exemplars or will use at some future time. If you have the opportunity, you should ask to see what inspires her and fuels the fire of her passion. Sophie teaches Beginner Calligraphy and is happy to teach one on one or in small groups, including children. She is currently exploring, through advanced class offerings and discussions, what calligraphers want to learn and to tailor her teaching to each student.

Her training as an artist extends beyond her time with the SCA. She learned calligraphy as a girl and found it to be relaxing and a fine way to express her artistic talent. Her experience and comfort allows her to offer her services as a "combat calligrapher" and she's been known to hand a scroll or two to Their Majesties with the ink still wet. She believes that every award recipient deserves a scroll to take home.

Sophie is apprenticed to Her Excellency, Mistress Elisabeth Johanna von der Flossenburg (who had nothing to do with her nomination) and is learning period clothing techniques. She is currently holds the office of Herald in the Shire of Blackwater and often assists the Silver Buccle Herald during court. Her arms are: Gules, a scorpion bendwise sinister argent.

20 OCT 08