Calligraphy (from Greek: καλλιγραφία) is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a broad tip instrument, brush, or other writing instruments. A contemporary calligraphic practice can be defined as “the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner”.
Modern calligraphy ranges from functional inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the letters may or may not be readable. Classical calligraphy differs from typography and non-classical hand-lettering, though a calligrapher may practice both.
Calligraphy continues flourishing in the forms of wedding invitations and event invitations, font design and typography, original hand-lettered logo design, religious art, announcements, graphic design and commissioned calligraphic art, cut stone inscriptions, and memorial documents. It is also used for props and moving images for film and television, testimonials, birth and death certificates, maps, and other written works.
In this class, Ms. Fancher will address the basic elements that make up solid calligraphy. She will teach fundamental strokes to create letters and then move on to more complex lettering. From this instruction, the student will be able to expand their comfort level in calligraphic execution.
If you need pens and ink for the class you may purchase them at Hobby Lobby, and Michaels. A vast array of papers may be used for calligraphy and these may also be bought at the suggested stores. But a simple plain paper may also be used initially as the student learns (a recommendation is that you make sure the plain paper is at least a 28 lb. paper).
We welcome you to Calligraphy with Lauren Fancher and hope you enjoy the class. We look forward to offering more advanced classes in the future.