Calligraphy and Me

How did I get into this calligraphy malarkey? My mum and dad bought me a Sheaffer calligraphy set for Christmas 1983. It kept me amused for a while. I used to practice my lettering at work on files and book-slips – this led to me being asked to write out place cards and invitations for work related events. I was paid with packets of cigarettes.
I originally worked for a Lloyd’s Brokers before working for an underwriting syndicate in Lloyd’s of London in the eighties and nineties. Unfortunately I worked for a catastrophe syndicate that went bust, so after this I decided I would pursue my calligraphy ambitions. When I enrolled on a Fine Art Foundation course I had every intention of continuing my calligraphy studies… but I was seduced by Critical Fine Art Practice: this was in the nineties, a very exciting time for Brit-Art. I found myself dressing up as a puppet; making something beautiful from chewed up chocolates; creating a psychopathic scrap-book; designing wallpaper and I even made a short video. I must have done something right because I gained a distinction. I think of it as a distinction for being a bit odd.
I did use my calligraphy skills on my art course – I will see if I can find some photographs to upload here – but the calligraphy took a back seat to whichever ‘big idea’ I was exploring at the time. I went on to study at Chelsea College of Art, but after becoming disillusioned with the art world I dropped out of my course.
Even though I went to art college I consider myself to be a self-taught calligrapher who is still learning. On my sidebar I have included well known Calligraphers whose books have influenced and guided me – please check them out – they are brilliant!
This illuminated letter ‘G’ was created from a project I followed in the book The art of Illuminated Letters by Timothy Noad and Patricia Seligman, in 2004.

Illuminated Letter 'G'