Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls - The Gift of Calligraphy: A Modern Approach to Hand Lettering with 25 Projects to Give and to Keep

What Is Calligraphy?

The word calligraphy is a broad term that encompasses many writing styles from different parts of the world. Some forms of calligraphy are created using a brush dipped into ink. Others use a pen with a metal nib that may be chiseled, as in European and medieval styles, or pointed, in Spencerian and Copperplate styles for italics. The actual definition of the word calligraphy comes from the Greek word kalligraphia, which means beautiful writing.

For thousands of years, writing has been the way information was passed on from generation to generation. Carefully drawing letterforms with precision and legibility was viewed as an art form, and these shapes were often quite ornamental and used in engravings. Even up until the end of the twentieth century, tidy handwritingparticularly cursivewas an integral part of schoolwork. Students were given copybooks and instructed to write their letterforms exactly as shown. Teachers would deduct points if their students penmanship was untidy, and students were strictly graded based on legibility. With the advent of computers and other technology, the importance of handwriting has declined, and many schools are dropping it as part of their curriculum. Perhaps because of this, calligraphy has become highly specialized and sought after for wedding materials, certificates, and paraphernalia for other special events.

Some vintage examples from my personal collection of different types of calligraphy. Ive collected (and continue to collect!) all manner of calligraphic works that I find at thrift stores, flea markets, eBay, and Etsy, both at home and abroad.

Modern Calligraphy

The term modern calligraphy simply means that the style is derived from your own handwriting, and it usually describes work created after the year 2000. It was then that calligraphys renaissance as an art form began, and there has been a huge increase in artists who use it in their work. It really is an exciting time to be a calligrapher, and to witness how artists use technology to quickly learn via YouTube or Instagram, and to reach a large audience on the Internet. Modern calligraphy is the best way to describe my workand though my style is derived from many traditional styles, if you were to look at my actual handwriting, it does appear to be quite similar.

For those who practice calligraphy as a form of art, there is a wide range of skill levels, from hobbyists to professionalsand then there are a few who take it to the highest level and become Master Penmen. In the United States, becoming a Master requires a strict lettering process, and there are specific rules to follow established by the International Association for Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH). In order to receive the official certificate as a Master, you must meet the IAMPETHs specific standards of the fine art of penmanship. Master Penman is the only official title available in the calligraphy world, but its really more for those who are interested in creating historically accurate forms of calligraphy, as opposed to the modern calligraphy that I share in this book. While I have the utmost respect for traditional calligraphic styles, I do not consider myself a master. I believe one can be an exceptional calligrapher without technically being a master. Its like playing the pianoyou dont need to be a professional concert pianist to enjoy it and share it with others.

Handwriting vs. Calligraphy

In my experience, people often have different perceptions about what calligraphy is. Some visualize an image of italic letters, which are forms written with a chiseled nib or felt-tip pen. Others think calligraphy is perfectly formed script with ornate letters and flourishesin other words, just a fancier form of handwriting.

But what technically distinguishes calligraphy from handwriting is, with calligraphy, you are always dipping a brush or pen into ink. When you examine calligraphy from China, Korea, and Japan, the characters are artfully produced using a brush dipped into ink. Arabic script calligraphy is written with a carved reed pen dipped into ink. In this book youll mostly learn about dipping a pointed metal nib into ink, though Ill also touch on other materials to experiment with.