About

My artwork revolves primarily around Calligraphy and the Letter Arts. A fascination with writing and penmanship as a young child allowed me to immediately fall in love with calligraphy and lettering art when I received as a Christmas gift a set of Speedball nibs and a calligraphy instruction book from my sister when I was in college.  

After learning what I could on my own with these tools and through a few basic books (please note, this was PRE-Internet!), I eventually discovered adult ed classes. The connections I made in these classes expanded my horizons to learn about and then participate in Calligraphy guilds, classes, workshops, and conferences! For many years now these avenues have allowed me to learn more and more about, and experiment with, lettering styles ranging from the traditional to the gestural/more freestyle interpretations.

As a result, I find myself uniquely positioned to offer a range of calligraphy services which can meet the demand for very formal/traditional styles for invitations, envelopes, and all manner of event-related materials, to freer, more interpretive styles for one-of-a-kind commissions, broadsides, logo designs, and craft-based items.

I work with all manner of broad edge, pointed, folded, metal nibs and other unusual writing tools (ruling pens, markers, sticks, reeds, broken shells, and occasionally a traditional quill), as well as with pointed and flat brushes. I use inks, Sumi inks, watercolors, gouaches, pastels, acrylics, charcoal. And I have to single out the PENCIL—never underestimate its power to create awesome lettering! If it can make a mark, I have probably considered using, or have used, it! While I work primarily on papers of all kinds, I do occasionally work on/with wood, and metal. I have written on blackboards, whiteboards, stones, glass jars, ceramics… And adding some gold! The power that strategically applied gold leaf (or other gold-inspired media) can add to a project still astounds me. And I realize I am drawn to color, lots of it! Trying to find the right balance to incorporate color, and gold, and not overdo it keeps me focused!

My recent work branches out to more expressive writing styles using Roman capital letters—taking my traditional knowledge and the inherent rules for writing Roman Capitals (which I have spent many long hours practicing and memorizing), and then altering them in creative ways constantly challenges me!

I also create an occasional handmade book—a skill that I learned through an awesome calligrapher-teacher who also knew bookbinding. She taught me basic book structures and design considerations to use the book format to showcase my calligraphy.

While the calligraphy that I do is mostly for gifts, or for sale at craft fairs, or for hire and/or through commissions, I also look for opportunities to showcase my originals in public venues. I want to share my voice and speak to the world, both through my art and in my calligraphy writing skills.