I'm often asked why I list potential competitors on the links page. The answer requires a bit of explanation.
Before
the invention of mechanical and electronic writing devices, a person's
penmanship was considered a vital indicator of his or her education,
business acumen and character. The more effortless, graceful and
flowing the line, the higher esteem held for the writer. In fact, well
educated children and young adults would devote years to perfecting
their penmanship to ensure their place in society and the business
world. The men and women who taught them were referred to as Master
Penmen.
All the sites listed below feature people who have achieved the level
of skill, control and finesse worthy of the title "Master". I, and most
any budding calligrapher, would be honored to apprentice to any of
them.
Mind-boggling is the only word that comes to mind when you watch John
DeCollibus write. Watch the videos on his service vendor website and if
you're a calligrapher, be prepared to feel intimidated as he makes
writing look so effortless. He's a leftie too.
This
is the man who nearly single-handedly brought Spencerian and ornamental
penmanship back from the brink of extinction. His skill as an artist
and teacher is renowned and his site offers a wide range of
self-teaching options. If you really want to learn the art, join him
for a week of instruction at the Spencerian Saga. P.S. - He's a purist
and a big fan of bow ties.
She
scribes and illustrates as if she just stepped out of a workshop from
the Italian Renaissance and then apprenticed to Richard Estes. Stunning
borders, illustrations and of course, lettering - she is truly gifted.
Part
Dentist, part teacher, part historian...all talent. Dr. Joe Vitolo
continues to carry the torch for the long defunct Zanerian School of
Penmanship of Columbus, OH. He has scoured the country looking to add
copybooks, teaching aids and historical tidbits to his near
encyclopedic library of Engrossing and ornamental script arcana. He is
also one of the greatest technicians in the script writing world with
extraordinary control and precision.
When
I grow up, I want to be Martin Jackson. Visit his website and you'll
understand why - he has a rock solid foundation in graphic and fine
arts and is one of the most polyvalent teachers working the circuit.
His work was good enough for Bill Gates' wedding...need I say more?
Imagining
himself as an Irish Samurai with a pen, Denis Brown creates some of the
most intriguing experimental lettering in the world. Find the video on
his website and watch the fascinating and agressive way he uses a pen.
Don't let the flash fool you though, classically trained, he's an
extraordinarily well rounded calligrapher.
Can
calligraphy have a rock star? If so, it's probably Bernard Maisner.
Some might contest his Master standing as he is very free form and
parts from tradition in his work, but tony New Yorkers can't get
enough. Hey, do you have a line of stationery at Bergdorf Goodman and
Barney's?
I'm often asked why I list potential competitors on the links page. The answer requires a bit of explanation.