How and Why to Write Calligraphy
84
How and Why to Write Calligraphy
It's easy to answer the question how do you write in calligraphy. But what about the why? Why should a person learn to write in calligraphy. The modern age has often been referred to as the Age of Communication. Information is rampant and accessible almost instantaneously, and the pathways of conversation to every part of the globe are always open. But because of this, because communication is so readily available, many of the old forms have been lost or pushed aside. But there's an old adage I've taken to heart which says simply: "The more the words, the less the meaning; and how does that profit anyone?" Taking the time, not only to communicate with someone, but even more so, crafting each letter deliberately and beautifully, speaks volumes more than anything a text message or email could ever convey. As in all of life, it's not always what you do, but how you do it.
That's why I've always loved the written word. There's nothing like getting a hand-written letter from someone, more so now in the age of text messaging and email. It was once important, not only to make the things one writes meaningful, but to convey them also in a beautiful way. Calligraphy comes from the root words "kallos" and "graphos" which means "beautiful writing."
I recently learned the art of calligraphy. I absolutely love it. I didn't know it would come so easily and naturally. Once I finally set my mind to learning the craft, I expected to spend laborious days and weeks striving against the pen, until finally turning out a letter or word I could be proud of. I was amazed to find that, following a few helpful tips, the art of word-crafting came quite easily. These tips I want to pass on, hoping that someone will be inspired to pick up the pen and try their hand at one of the lost arts of communication.
|
Calligraphy Pen 33 Piece Set
This is the brand I prefer, and the exact same set I was given as a beginner.
Price: $12.95
List Price: $21.89 |
Tips
1) There are only a few techniques absolutely required for calligraphy. The first and most important is the angle of the pen. A calligraphy pen needs to be held ALWAYS at a 45 degree angle. That meanst that when held against the paper and pulled straight down for a few centimeters, the mark left behind should resemble a diamond.
2) A Calligraphy pen must always be pulled lightly across the paper, never pushed. What this means in practicality is that almost every letter will be formed by a series of strokes, never a single stroke.
3) A small piece of paper should be placed beneath the palm of the writing hand to keep moisture and oil from leaching into the bottom parts of the paper.
Here is a video which illustrates all three of these points. Notice the angle of the pen at 45 degrees, the strokes being pulled and never pushed, and the piece of paper beneath the palm of the writing hand.
Calligraphy Pen Tutorial
Chancery Calligraphy Alphabet
Above is a link to the most common calligraphy alphabet, Chancery. It is a tutorial showing the sequence of the strokes and how to achieve them with the hand.
For anyone willing to give this lost art a shot, let me start off by acknowledging that it is very difficult at first. The angle of the pen seems all wrong and the joins where the different strokes meet are skewed and ugly. As with anything else, practice makes perfect! If you've enjoyed this, check out my blogs:
Things I've Learned While Roaming the Earth
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Haha, there's always hope.
I learned how to write in calligraphy at a very young age in school. It was one of those extra classes that you get to take "just because". It came quite natural to me also, considering how young I was, I think I did pretty well with it. Though I haven't wrote in calligraphy in a long time, I am sure that if I had that special pen I could almost pick up from where I left off.
I do agree with you on another thing also, hand written letters are the best. I have always loved giving them and recieving them.
You should definitely go and find that special pen! My goal is to figure out a unique calligraphy style for each one of my poems -- something that fits the mood. I think that would be pretty cool.
That would be neat. I never even thought of that. Great idea.
:)
i love it and do so on the cards I have made. Thing is if you don't use it you can lose it. Used to be fairly good at it and even find myself doing it, well trying, with a regular pen...It is fun and they have some really good instructional books out...Nice reminder my sweet man :O) Hugs
Benji
It may be cool and all but this is one artistic pursuit of yours that I'd totally leave to you! I mean, are there hot keys on the keyboard for calligraphy? Anyway, just as long as you enjoy it. Thanks for sharing a peek into what you're up to lately :D
interesting article and video. I agree that you have something here, perhaps inherited from a parent? It is always great getting a card, as I did recently with my name on the envelope done up nice.
I love writing with fountain pen, collecting them, but didn't have time for Calligraphy till now. Your writing is really interesting.
Calligraphy is a beautiful art form. I wish I could do it. But I don't think I am able. This Hub is thought provoking and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks.
Thanks guys for reading. It's cool, I realize calligraphy isn't for everyone. It's just too much fun.
A friend gave my son lessons in this when he was 8. He loved it and has never forgotten it. He uses it all the time at school for graphic design. Even his class notes are beautiful. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Cool, thanks Gypsy Willow! I wish I would have learned when I was 8. I waited until just last year :(
I used to do that all the time when I was a kid. Now I doodle cool looking letters. I agree but also I get a lot less done when I keep trying to craft exactly what I want to say. I am just really fast understanding things, but getting them out to others is a strong longing, I feel it takes me forever to get my words or thoughts into conveyable form. Maybe I should try harder. Thats kinda how I feel about gifts, presents, relationships. If you're not really puting yourself into it, then what is that really saying? I think really putting value and love into relationships and into really desiring the best in those you love,time and listening. I have to admit I am happy to receive anything really, however I am much more happy giving. I spend litterally hours thinking of ways to bless those close to me individually. I get so excited it"ll be month before whatever event the thing is for and I just want to burst I want them to have it now. I think the gifts that make me happiest are the hidden ones though. Where you put clothes someone needs in the open window of their car or sponser something without their knowledge. I remember when I first started living on my own letters that were handwritten were like the best thing ever. I still feel that excitement when its not a bill or coupon or ad but a handwritten letter from someone I love. You've just inspired me to write more letters through the mail when I get a job. lol Much love in Him, Heidi
Right on. I love handwritten letters too. They're so much better than emails, and we won't even talk about text messages, haha. I agree with you about relationships, which is one of the reasons why I love things like calligraphy. It's not only the gift, but what you had to pour of yourself into it, that counts. We should compare calligraphy sometime :)
I have taken calligraphy classes and loved it. Have used calligraphy to make place cards at dinner parties and one Christmas addressed all our envelopes with calligraphy. Should do more of it so that I keep the skills honed. Thanks for reminding me!
I think Calligraphy like an art. there is a beautiful writing. I appreciate that.
goldentoad says:
6 months ago
benji- I can barely scribble in english.