You've got to see this!

 

   

is a gorgeous publication recognized as "the preeminent magazine for calligraphers and lettering artists. The award-winning quarterly journal will acquaint you with today's fresh and innovative leaders as well as yesterday's legends". 

My copy arrived in the mail today and every page is a visual delight!  Seriously!

It seems to me, and this is only MY OPINION, years ago, calligraphy was primarily beautifully executed letters (typically in black ink), on plain paper (typically white or cream) and the lettering was a straightforward quote of some sort, very often religious in nature.  There might have been a simple illustration along side the quote, but that was about as exciting as it got.  Well, kids, this is not your Grandfather's calligraphy anymore!!!

I would be hard pressed to tell you what image is my favorite, but here are a few of what I think are the best entries in this year's Review...  (click on the images to get a larger view in a new window)...

by Viviana Lombrozo

by Yukimi Annand

by Pamela Paulsrud

>
by Gabriella Sabbadin

by Andrea Wunderlich

by Mari Wittmer-Etchison     

I'm excited about the future of calligraphy after seeing this amazing collection of lettering on various substrates! Perhaps some of my excitement stems from the fact that this is the sort of artwork that I really, really love... but mostly because it is unique, thoughtful, inspired, and very, very current... the sort of artwork that people of pretty much all ages might find interesting.  Maybe the word I'm looking for is relevant... and this is relevant FINE ART, definitely not your Grandfather's calligraphy anymore!  

If you desire to order a copy of this yearly Juried Review, click 
 

Disclaimer: Please know I am not knocking traditional calligraphy... it has its place and it was done with as much, if not more, care and skill as anything being produced today.  This is just my personal preference.  There are many, many incredible works made by master calligraphers that I am in awe of... it's just not the sort of lettering art I want to make.  That's all I'm saying.
 

Comments

[KimO]

Yes! Isn't it a wonderful issue!? Silly me didn't realize it was the Annual Juried Issue. As soon as I get the magazine I just tear into it to see what's inside and *then* I realized it was the annual issue. I just keep opening it and looking through it. Tough to put down!

I don't know about you but sometimes I get so discouraged and think "I could never do such beautiful work" and other times I find it so inspirational and I just try to remember so many years ago when I first started and how far I *have* come. Then I just tell myself that it just means I have much more potential to look forward to! :-)

Glad to hear you are back amongst the gainfully employed!

. . . Kim

[Seth]

This looks wonderful. And it showcases calligrahy less as letter art and more as just plain art. Something you have already been doing so well for so many years.

[Judy]

thanks for sharing these pieces. I particularly like the last one. going to have to read that book.

[Orly]

Gorgeous...I'll have to check it out..
XOXOrly

[Roann Mathias]

Oh the eye candy! These are simple beautiful. Will have to get a copy. Thanks for posting.