Abstract

My research looks at the very real possibility that the practice of handwriting is becoming extinct and what this loss may signify to us from a cultural perspective. What will be lost? Does it matter if we have other effective tools with which to communicate? I take a historical position, looking at the evolution of writing from the time of the Phonecians, the Hebrews and the Chinese. I will also explore its connection to abstract painting and graffiti in a contemporary context. I will examine this possibility of using my art practice to highlight the significance of the handmade mark and what it signifies besides information, the personality of the writer, the sense of self expression and the physicality of the mark in writing juxtaposed against the process of writing generated by technological means. Before we mourn this loss we may be able to create awareness and save aspects of the process that are precious and valuable to our cultures.