If one asks what calligraphy is exactly, many would pretend to know what it is all about but is unable to provide a proper explanation. The word “calligraphy” originates from the Greek language and means the art of beautiful writing.
Centuries ago, calligraphy gave people all over the world the opportunity to communicate with each other. Whether in the form of cave paintings, symbols, Asian characters or Arabic and western writing, calligraphy was and always will be seen as an art of communication. Calligraphy has existed for thousands of years and demonstrated independently in multiple cultures worldwide.
Since the dawn of civilisation, every community had its own different calligraphy, all of which were founded between a mix of necessity and creative desires, using different styles and tools. Calligraphers are very aware of such heritage and it plays a major role in contemporary calligraphy, which is shaped by a long, inspiring history. In fact, imitating historical handwriting is a wide and encouraged method of achieving calligraphic success.
However, the introduction of printing machines has slowly eroded the reputation of calligraphy as many now prefer the more effective, faster and cheaper method. This has gotten worst with the invention of home printers and computers.
Nevertheless, calligraphy survives becoming an artistic process of forming beautiful symbols by hand and arranging them in a way that inscribes words that possess integrity, harmony and rhythm.
In this basic definition, integrity represents admirable patterns and design of letters and symbols in calligraphy images. Harmony is a pleasing relationship between the words and characters. Rhythm is a deliberate repetition in calligraphic writing that creates feelings of patterns and emphasis within the eyes of the viewer. On their own, none of these factors reflects a valid calligraphic art form, but only when all gather, the entire process takes a shape of calligraphy.
Simply, calligraphy is where symbols and gestures meet, but basically, calligraphy is writing. It utilises traditional tools of the writer, a pen and ink, or brush and paint. However, as writing is a way of communicating predetermined meanings through standard forms of language, calligraphy reflects the extension of the whole body and its spirit. The spirit informs the body, which should move in a unified gesture, transferring the energy of both body and spirit into the arm, the hand, the pen and finally into the mark.
Calligraphy aims to produce a reaction, just like any quality piece of sculpture or painting, its goals are to invoke a deeper meaning and communicate with the viewer on both the linguistic and creative level. Although a bit too metaphorical to be considered a valid definition, many experts recognise that reading calligraphy is the closest way one can get to hearing music with eyes. Interestingly, this may be the most precise explanation of what calligraphic creative passion actually is.
Mastering calligraphy and writing how to write in historical styles is an excellent means of training both the hand and the eye. Only copying the ancient handwriting does not represent the creative purpose of calligraphy. However, it provides both a fine starting point for beginners and an interesting exercise for skilful calligraphers. Among those passionate calligraphers is Eman Al Abri, who competently masters calligraphy in both Arabic and English languages.
Though she had the skill since she was in grade four at school, it took ages to get her talent built and honed. Marking the actual start of her journey in professionally scripting Arabic calligraphy was recorded in 2010. Out of her serious interest in calligraphy, she started in 2014 conducting training workshops for other calligraphy enthusiasts.
"I feel calligraphy is not only understanding the skills but marks a spiritual matter. Both in writing and music, rhythm is the most outstanding element. It is rhythm, which lends calligraphy the breath of the individual", Eman Al Abri explained.
Interestingly, she is competent in English calligraphy likewise, practising the round hand, copperplate and the modern English font too. She started her talent in English calligraphy in 2020 and currently she is organising training workshops and private tuitions. Over the past years, Eman participated in different art competitions and exhibitions locally and regionally. Therefore, she is planning to produce an educational document serving as a guide for calligraphy beginners and enthusiasts.
Moving her talent to the next level, Eman started doing professional calligraphy workshops and receiving business orders, via @eman.alabri, rather than just exercising a personal talent. She has conducted workshops and tuitions in English and Arabic calligraphy for Arabic and native speakers of different ages.
“Even for skilled artists and people who are good with their hands, calligraphy requires patience and practice over and over”, Eman commented.
Generally, calligraphy is more about individual gestures and the meaning that can be expressed in writing beyond what is inborn in the symbols themselves. As calligraphy is nothing more than a hobby for some people, enthusiasts can certainly build a successful career in calligraphy if they are willing to put in the time and effort.
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