Introduction to Learning Calligraphy

For those of you who have come to this website to learn calligraphy and related skills, I'd like to share some thoughts on the process of learning.

When I teach a workshop, I start by sharing some of the following thoughts.

...a workshop is a place to gather ideas, a place to start things cooking ... not the place to prepare the finished meal. - Jean Formo

I like this quote because it's a reminder that learning is learning. It's a process that takes time, that needs the freedom to experiment - which means that there will probably be some "uglies" in the process - and that that's okay.

I also like this thought:

Most learning feels awkward and sometimes frustrating at the beginning. That's a normal and natural part of the process - don't be discouraged or put off by it. Learning is easier when you're relaxed and enjoying yourself, so as a student of this class you are hereby authorized and permitted to...

We often come to a class, workshop, or time of learning with certain expectations. The only expectation I have for my classes is this:

You are not expected to create masterpieces. It is simply hoped that you will know more by the end of the class than you did at the beginning.*

As artists and creative people, we are often our own worst critics. So here's a different way of thinking about that:

You see the work of others for what it is. You see your own for what it isn't.*

Along with being our own worst critics, we often hinder ourselves by the things we say to ourselves. Like saying, "I can't..." before you've even given yourself a chance to see if you can. I am a huge believer that we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for, and I certainly encourage my students to have an open attitude about trying things. I like this thought:

Don't say, "I can't __________________"
Instead say, "I can't __________________ yet".*

Peter Thornton shared the above quotes (*) in one of the classes I took with him. He said we were only allowed to say "I can't ... do whatever" if we promptly added the word "yet" because that way you leave room in your mind for growth and improvement.

And finally, this thought:

We only do well what we do with joy.

My hope is that you will enjoy this website, the lessons, the ideas, the community, and all the rest. And please remember, if there is something you want to know or learn about calligraphy that isn't included on this website as information or as a product, please feel free to ASK! for it.

Now head on over to the first page of the Basics Section and get started. Enjoy!