Centuries ago, ILLUMINATION was used by the scribe to skillfully unveil the heart of a hand-written text. Working with finely ground pigments, gold leaf and calfskin, the scribe decorated initials, foliated borders and rubricated letters as they illuminated precious books. Careful attention was paid to the structure of these manuscripts, visible today in wooden book boards, metal spines, tooled leather covers and the occassional chemise binding in velvet, silk, silver & jewels.

Significant for today, the process is very much the same. Illuminators like Mel Ahlborn apply finely ground pigments and gold leaf to paper and vellum, creating works of art suitable for home, office and sanctuary. Mrs. Ahlborn works with utmost discretion to provide her clients with timeless works of art to satisfy their discriminating tastes. She works closely with clients at all stages of the illumination process.

From the Los Angeles Daily News: "Somewhere between childhood and the National Cathedral, Mel's path in art took a scientific detour. At Tufts University in Boston she had a double major - chemistry and classics. Science won out - at first... Recruited by Hughes Aircraft in Southern Califoria, she worked in their Laser and Infrared Systems Division and later did the same at Loral EOS." -Victoria Giraud, Special to the Daily News This is true! And to this day, all that math and physics has become an integral part of the art that she creates.

COMING SOON!

PortraitsA mini-gallery exhibiting the illuminated works of other talented artists.

Go Back To ILLUMINATION SUPPLY STORE at Willow Springs

Go Back To ILLUMINATION PORTFOLIOfor the exhibit

Go Back To ILLUMINATION GALLERYto begin at the beginning

Go Back To ILLUMINATION WEB RESOURCES

Web Page Design : Mel Ahlborn, MB Ahlborn - Illumination
A href="illumination@earthlink.net"> e-mail : illumination@earthlink.net