Completed in 2011, The Saint John’s Bible contains calligraphy developed by Jackson himself, as well as lavishly decorated pages created by contemporary artists. On September 5, Jackson will visit the Getty Center to discuss the historical influences and techniques that informed his project and how the process provided insights into the work of the past. The lecture complements the exhibition The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages, on view August 28, 2012–February 3, 2013 at the Getty Center.
The Saint John’s Bible is divided into seven volumes, has 160 illuminations, and cost $4 million to produce. Collaborating with a team of scholars, theologians, calligraphers and illuminators, Jackson used a mixture of techniques to create the Bible, including text handwritten with goose and turkey quills on calf-skin vellum, gold and platinum leaf, hand-ground pigments and Chinese stick ink. Computers and digital fonts were used to plan the layout of the Bible. The original Bible and high-quality prints are currently touring various cities across the United States.
“When I was 14 years old I was thrown out of an art museum for whistling in the public galleries,” says Jackson. “But I’d already caught the magic of the illuminated texts I saw there, and my life was changed by them. My presentation will help audiences better understand the creation of these complex works of art.”
In addition to the lecture, the course Illuminated Bibles Then and Now will also be offered on September 5. The course explores the history, significance, and making of illuminated Bibles and religious books. Activities include:
PRESENTATIONS
The Saint John’s Bible Story Tim Ternes, Director of The Saint John’s Bible
Igniting the Spiritual Imagination: A Monk’s Perspective Father Eric Hollas, Order of Saint Benedict
Illuminated Religious Books in the Middle Ages Elizabeth Morrison, curator, Department of Manuscripts, J. Paul Getty Museum
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
Calligraphy demonstration with Diane von Arx, scribe and artist of The Saint John’s Bible
Guided tour of the exhibition The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages
Viewing of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition
Isaiah 53, 2005. Donald Jackson. © The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
The Saint John’s Bible: A Contemporary Illuminated Manuscript Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center Admission: Free; reservations recommended. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit the event site and click “Make Reservation.”
Illuminated Bibles Then and Now Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 Time: 1:00–6:00 p.m. Location: Getty Research Institute Lecture Hall, Getty Center Admission: $30; reservations recommended. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit the event site and click “Make Reservation” to purchase tickets.