barry morentz

many years ago, when i had my first teaching gig, in NYC, i was startled to see the name Barry Morentz on the class list. he was already a very well known lettering artist/scribe. i wasn't intimidated, just curious as to why he would sign up for a class in *funky styles with markers* with a complete unknown. so, i asked him...and he said something about how he was always open to new things. it was a pleasure to have him in the class. i don't think i had any opportunities to *teach* him anything. but, he was clearly collecting all the stealworthy ideas that i was tossing out. i also remember some other people in that class who were not famous, but they were spinning ideas and we all had a good time. for him, it was like playtime. and we should all remember to take a little time for play.

i could not find many images of barry's work online. i think he has been so busy with his career that he never needed to put up a website. but...yesterday he shared this video with the people on CyberScribes (a list serve - Yahoo Group - open to anyone interested in lettering) and i wanted to pass it along because it is really pretty. i noticed how often he changes speed. he starts and cruises along and then at a certain point, he speeds up. i really hope i find time to make some videos, too. it really helps to see that whole speed thing. it's hard to describe it in words.

http://www.denihan.com/SitePage.aspx?name=Video