Monday 18 March 2013

Understanding The Work Of A Calligraphy Artist

By Tamika Powell


Calligraphy is the art of writing a script in a way that it expresses the beauty of what is written or to be written. Derived from the Greek word kalla meaning beautiful or graphia which means writing. This form of art is said to be written letters which relies on the flow and rhythm on the brush or pen. To be a calligraphy artist one does not only need the skill for it but most importantly one's passion.

Calligraphic practices is also considered to be a visual art, only this time it's more on writing, letters, fonts, creativity, uniqueness, strokes and life to every stroke that calligraphers make. Calligraphy is greatly influenced by its origin's culture and art form of every country. For such reason, no calligraphic art could actually look like similar as the other.

Modern calligraphic practices range from designs and functional hand lettered inscriptions to fine art pieces. There are different types of calligraphy each of it is developed in several parts of the world at a different time line. Four of the most biggest classification of such art includes western, eastern asian, southern asian and islamic calligraphic practice.

Western calligraphic practice evolved on the tenth century until now. It is most recognizable in a latin script found 600 B. C. And in every dynasty, several changes towards the style and scripting are expected. Western calligraphic practice follows geometric patterns and strict rules. The tools used includes brush, pen, water based ink, templates and high quality paper.

Some of the most valuable works of modern calligraphic practice are letters patent and charters issued by officers of the state or monarchs in various practices. Maybe because of its history calligraphic art always have an aura of formality and respect. There might be several kinds of calligraphic art but the tools could more or less be the same.

Countries like Nepal, Tibet and India are what compose the Southern Asian calligraphic practice. Nepalese calligraphic practice made a significant impact towards Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism which explains why it's used in several Buddhist texts. The Ranjana script is the main text that shows Nepalese calligraphic practice.

Islamic calligraphic practice is a form of Islamic art, and just like Islamic art it follows geometric patterns and are mostly prominent in mosque walls. Muslims regards calligraphy as the highest form of art or artistic expression. The Ottoman Era was considered to be the most successful era which developed Islamic calligraphic practice.

As a calligrapher, one should be able to write the words to another level and breathes life to every stroke and letter that he or she makes. More so, a reputable calligrapher should be able to perfectly portray visual form on the language that she or he writes. The calligrapher should bring a text page alive with his or her skills, talent and unique presentation.

A true calligraphy artist should not only know how to perform the art. Indeed, he or she has to understand the history to be able to appreciate the art more and be very passionate about it.




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