Calligraphy Writing Artwork I Did For Love

by Jacquie
(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

Celebrations spark my calligraphy writing artwork. And they have a wonderful way of bringing out the best in our family. Recently, my father and stepmother were having an anniversary and the family got together for candles and cake. Using calligraphy writing in my work as an artist, I decided on a handmade gift of art.

As my biological mother had passed on when I was a seven-year-old, and my stepmother, Alexandra, met my dad when I was in college, it got me thinking about making and cherishing memories.

Alexandra is beautiful and a wonderful woman. She and my dad are a fun couple who really enjoy being with each other. She really loves to have meaningful objects around her for serenity, inspiration and to create a sense of joy in their home.

Stuck in my journal was this quotation from Joseph Addison. I designed the look of the finished piece to show best in a silver frame suitable for a tabletop display. In my creative workspace I set to creating the fancy art lettering onto a transparency with permanent ink.

While it was drying, I selected a sheet of handmade pink paper from my stockpile. Over it I applied soft pastel sticks which give a brighter color and are easy to blend and smudge with my finger. My intention was to create a muted effect that gives the impression of watercolor. Soft pastels need a fixative or the dust keeps smudging. Then I set it aside to assemble and frame a few hours later.

Well, my most favorite part of the celebration was hearing my dad and Alexandra "ooh and aah" as they carefully opened the gift I wrapped in paper and accessories to coordinate with the present inside. Their enthusiasm when they saw what I had done for them and about them made me so happy that I got a little teary-eyed. We all hugged and kissed, and then Alexandra set it out on the tabletop display for all to admire just as I imagined.