Modern Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a timeless art form that relies on a very basic set of tools, craftsmanship, composition and an interest in fanciful typography. Join artist and calligrapher, Grace Calderone, in an exploration of letterforms, quill pens and india ink.

Beginning with foundational skills like properly holding a calligraphy pen, varying line weight with pressure, and avoiding ghastly ink sploodges, students will develop the core skills needed to master calligraphy. From there, students will become familiar with how letters are formed through practicing the alphabet, writing short phrases and experimenting with swashes.

The final portion of the class will consider composition, improvisation and personal style. How can calligraphers move beyond copying letterforms to developing a style all their own? How can calligraphers not only write fanciful letters, but also compose these letters on a page? How can calligraphers aim for perfection, and as needed, modify plans as they draw?

In addition to completing many studies of various letterforms and styles, students will create a set of matching greeting cards to swap with classmates. Then, a final independent project will combine all that they have learned such as letterform design, composition, paper stock selection and allowing their personal style impact their artwork. This long form piece could be a full poem, a wedding invitation suite, or a full suite of greeting cards. The final project will be ready to frame, digitize or perhaps print by hand in the printshop. Rumor has it that even those with questionable penmanship can do remarkable things with an oblique pen and a zebra nib!