Experimental Workshop on Stylistic Devanagari Calligraphy

Workshop Presentation
Rajendra Thakre,  Shripad Mahatme  

Release your inner creative and explore your visual design skills through experimental workshop on stylistic calligraphy articulation. Calligraphy is an art form that has evolved over the centuries and has its roots in the traditional ethos of the originating culture. It has been practiced by masters and learners in a way to rediscover its nuances. A design thinking mind respects its communication value and in the aesthetic context, strives to generate artistic and expressive forms of calligraphy. A simple letter form can be made artistically beautiful with practice, perseverance, and patience. This workshop provides scope for visual exploration of the letterform within the “Devanagari” font and prompts to drive the learner to value design aesthetics. The learner will be introduced to the basics of calligraphy including the different types of nibs, correct sizing of letters, and how to hold the pen with the right tension to achieve a fluid letterform. Participants will practice letter forms in the 'foundational' hand as a basic articulation of lettering style. Then they will apply newly acquired writing skills to creating a more stylistic calligraphy piece, where the letters can be creative and inventive, letting the letters flow in a direction that feels right. They will be able to generate an individualistic calligraphic expression of a lettering style. This will lead to a calligraphic composition on hand made paper or canvas or silk. This expereince becomes the first inspiration for the learner to create their own series of calligraphic artworks.