Like a woman who has yet to find a hairstyle that truly fits her personality, I am a calligrapher who has yet to find my true calligraphy style. I know it is something that ranges between imperfectly sophisticated to beautifully outlandish. Somewhere between Francois Gervais's graffiti lettering and Bernard Maisner's masterful flourished strokes.
This is why, even during my busiest time of year, I devote myself to stretches of a few days of practice and play. It is important to my development. It helps to break through to new ways of keeping my art form fresh and innovative and hopefully leads me closer to finding what is finally the style that will avert an artistic identity crisis.
With a 3-week calligraphy commission coming soon, I decided to sit down with nothing in mind and starting writing to let loose of old patterns of strokes and enter a rhythm to see what would come from my pen.
I recommend this exercise to calligraphers or any artist. Without challenge, there is no change. Challenge yourself today to shake off old ways and see what lovely new ideas come to the surface when you allow yourself to play. You may just find yourself.
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