The Art of Letters

The Greek alphabet is believed to be the origin of all major Western alphabets today. This means that alphabet is also the origin of contemporary calligraphy. Even as early as the middle fourth century, the Greek alphabet was read left to right and top to bottom and was accepted officially as the most unified script of the time. It represented the most cohesive record-keeping form. Flourishes and accents were added and trimmed throughout the centuries, changing it slowly to the alphabet we now use.

Modern calligraphers use ancient alphabets as their basis for style and embellishment, while modern materials make the process of creating letters most enjoyable and a connective to all those scribes over the centuries. Even the advent of computers, with their perfection and reliable ease, has done little to diminish the interest and dedication to the ancient art of letters.

Even if you can't draw a straight line, don't know what end of a paint brush to dab into paint, can't capture a likeness or think you don't have an ounce of talent, you can learn to create exquisite lettering and scripting that offers you a creative outlet based on the cursive you learned as a child. Or you can investigate the many creative styles that are documented in dozens of books created by masters of the art.

Materials used in calligraphy vary almost as much as the styles created by calligraphers. The writing instruments, the papers, the inks, dyes and paints offer such a variety that, no matter the style, there are ample materials to capture your interest and hold it forever.

For centuries, feathers, twigs, fibrous roots and other handmade instruments were used to inscribe the symbols and letters of the time. With the advent of metal nibs, styles of lettering became more predictable and legible. A slow transition of sophistication began as writing and the education it exuded became symbols of status.

Today's writing/calligraphy instrument choices offer an enormous spectrum of opportunity. For start-up calligraphers, an inexpensive crow quill staff with metal nib, costing around $2, can offer a wonderful experience. A tiny leap to the next higher price range of holder and nibs opens new vistas of challenge. Dozens of tip sizes and "edge" shape are available to fit several holder lengths. It is possible to select nibs that give lines from tinier than 1/32 inch to 1/2 inch and even 1 inch. Sets of preferred sizes with handles are available for around $8, up to executive sets that retail for around $40. Many of the newer products include special gilt trim options and embossing powders to create three-dimensional effects.

The foundation of calligraphy is the material onto which the scribing is done. Almost any paper can be used as well as vellums, textures, and parchments. Historic scrolls of papyrus and lettering on fine cloth have been found in ancient tombs. Our choices are far less limited. Papers with smooth surfaces offer less interruption to the fluid line of the scriber, but even lightly textured surfaces such as watercolor papers and fine quality drawing papers add to the experience. Although the purist may prefer to select white smooth surfaced paper for projects, new colors of special lettering papers are now available. Soft tones of bone, pink, moss, gold and mottled eggshell offer new vistas of exploration, especially when colored inks or paints are used.

Practice paper with lines lightly scribed onto the surface allows for fluid application and control practice. Special reusable plastic sheets with precision-drawn lines as guides can be slipped beneath medium- to fine-weight papers so that proper alignment is guaranteed.

The ink used can be as varied as the nibs and papers chosen. New space-aged liquid acrylics, although not actually "inks," can be used in any nib that can be soaked to clean. While not recommended for bladder style calligraphy pens, the colors (including metallics) are breathtaking. In the area of Chinese calligraphy, the density and coverage of the ink (in brick form) is amazing. Traditional permanent inks are now available in new hues. Watercolor can be applied as ink when thinned--with brush in a lettering style or as a wash over any lettering done with permanent ink.

If fast track and instant gratification are your favorite things, consider the new family of calligraphy markers and pens that come in color-coordinated sets. These pens often have chisel tips made of strong nylon that not only dispense inks evenly, but also maintain sharp edges for long-lived, precise scribing. The beauty of this style of instrument is that it travels very well and can be used anywhere. Clean and ready to go, these pens are available in a wide range of tip shapes and colors and can be either permanent or water-soluble.

Armed with a "how-to" book of calligraphy alphabets, a calligraphy set of nibs and a pad of practice paper, you could be set for a relaxing and rewarding pastime. Imagine yourself sending original, hand-lettered greeting cards to all your friends or perhaps invitations or announcements! All the relaxation and satisfaction is but a step away. And that is only a small step from an in-home business of addressing and designing cards and announcements as an alternative source of income. Once your friends and family and professional organizations realize your talent, they will be anxious for you to design and complete projects for them.