What is Calligraphy?

Writing has a long history reflecting civilizations, from the earliest cave paintings to Egyptian hieroglyphs, and eventually to our alphabet, a Roman adaptation of the Greek alphabet.

The Roman period was a major landmark in the development of the letterforms of western civilization. Roman inscriptions were painted with a flat brush, producing thick and thin strokes. The painted letter shapes were then expertly chiselled into stone. The shapes created by a wide flat brush can be replicated using a broad-edge pen.

This is why Roman Capitals are a reference for pen-made capitals because their shapes are made in the same way. All subsequent western scripts have evolved from the original Roman scripts.

Calligraphy is still relevant today, and the upsurge in its popularity reflects our intrinsic creative nature and the joy of making things by hand.

Modern calligraphy continues to evolve, blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles. Artists use calligraphy not just for creating letters but also for expressing their artistic vision through various forms such as wedding invitations, logo designs, and art pieces.

The tactile nature of calligraphy, feeling the pen glide over the paper, the rhythm of the strokes, and the visual pleasure of seeing beautiful letters take shape adds to its enduring appeal.

In a digital age where typing on keyboards and touchscreens dominates, the handcrafted aspect of calligraphy offers a refreshing contrast.

It reconnects us with the physical act of writing and the personal touch that comes with it. Calligraphy remains a cherished and respected art form, celebrating the beauty of the written word.