I subscribe to the periodical “Letter Arts Review” that specifically features articles and work about the Art of Calligraphy. Every year it features an Annual Juried Competition that draws a wide range of work from around the world. This year, one of the pieces that I submitted was among the work that was selected for their annual competition. Although it is always nice to have one’s work selected from so many great pieces, it is also an honor to see my own piece of work printed along side the work of people that I have admired and that have inspired me to continue to strive to use the Calligraphic Arts as a means of communication as well as a form of self expression.
What is most interesting about the annual, and especially true this year, is the amount of work that is showcased from around the world. Most of the Calligraphy that is seen from other countries are examples of work whose cultures have long recognized the art as being on the same level as music and poetry as a form of expression. In the United States, although we certainly have many excellent Calligraphers within our borders, the wide spread public recognition and appreciation just isn’t there… yet.
Representing the United Arab Emirates, Wissam Shawkat submitted several beautiful examples of Arabic Calligraphy. One example is extremely complex and displayed as a wall graphic. While another is a simple, intimate Quranic verse written on paper. Both are extraordinary.
Denis Brown, from Ireland, shared large format panels that were a kaleidoscope of color and energy. The line value of his writing is definitely at master level. Calligraphers from the countries of Germany, Japan, England, Mexico, South Africa to name a few, also submitted wonderful examples of this art form done in a myriad of mediums and forms.
From the United States, Glen Epstein, seems to always have something dramatic to write about. While Georgia Deaver, the peach of American Calligraphy, had a piece that seemed to float unhindered above the page. The contemporary beauty of the American version of this artistic expression was well represented from coast to coast.
I was also fasinated by all the languages that were represented in the annual. I found pieces written in Greek, Batarde, Dutch, German, English, Old Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. My own piece was written in Gaelic.
Being chosen for this annual competition issue was a delight to me. To be considered among a group of peers representing this art form from around the globe was at best, a humble experience. I recognize it as a chance to share my love of letter crafting with an audience that extends well beyond my studio walls and I thank the jurors and all the people associated with the publication for this opportunity.
If you would like more information about Letter Arts Review, you can contact John Neal Booksellers
