How I Found Calligraphy as My Passion & Tips on How You Can Find Yours
- Maria D'souza
- May 8, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 10, 2020
I started learning everything about Calligraphy when I was 26 years old. Some may say, “Isn’t it a little too late?” Others may say, “What were you doing until then?” So, to every question out there, here is my story:
I wanted to learn calligraphy from the time I was in school but somehow either the time wasn’t right or the circumstances. Mobile phones were just introduced to the middle-class population of India, and we didn’t live in the digital age as witness right now. Everything mostly was concentrated on gaining good scores in exams and pursuing a stable career – and that’s what I did too. I completed my Bachelor's in IT and started my corporate career. I got amazing opportunities (for which I’ll be forever grateful!) and was doing really well but something always felt missing. I never did really feel that burning passion towards any specific thing. Time went by and life just kept moving forward.
When I was at my second job, I started exploring things apart from my core work. I went on to:
attend different workshops
watch several videos on YouTube hoping that I will find something that really brings me joy
get into the habit of reading articles and came across blogs written by people from completely different backgrounds doing things they really loved
read several books out of which the following two really helped me clear the physical as well as mental clutter
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Social Media, especially Instagram, was the key to helping me find Calligraphy artists around the world. Slowly and steadily, I was re-introduced to Calligraphy. It was buried somewhere deep, and it took me a while to bring it out. One day, I finally took the plunge and started looking for Calligraphy classes around my office. I found one, called her up, visited her and started learning Calligraphy the very same day! And believe me, it was love at first…STROKE! :P There was no looking back!
In a span of 6 months, I attended classes and workshops and got myself acquainted with 3 different types of calligraphy (I will talk more about each in detail in my future articles.) and I was in love! This was me trying to make up for all the lost years. To be honest, I didn’t even know that there were several different types of calligraphy fonts/styles/scripts. Now, 2 and a half years down the line, and I am still learning and exploring. There’s so much to learn, from the history of calligraphy to the correct tools to be used and from the right posture to hand movements.
The fact that handwritten/personalized products and services always mesmerized me fit in perfectly with my fascination towards Calligraphy. And, I was constantly blown by the videos I came across of artists creating beautiful works of Calligraphy art. Never did I imagine that someday people are going to be looking up to me and searching for a face that can help them get up and running with their inclinations towards Calligraphy. Never did I imagine someone now appreciating my art and the pieces I work on; it still feels surreal. Now, I strongly believe in the phrase “Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.” It is no longer just a proverb or saying that we would learn in school; it is real life.
Today, I have taught over 75 students, have had the privilege of addressing invites for different occasions, been part of some amazing events, created some personalised products! And, now, I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge with whoever wants to learn!
This is one of the reasons why I started this blog. To capture all that I learn in my journey and make it easily accessible to those who wish to learn calligraphy.
Personally, I still have a long way to go, and I truly consider myself a Student for Life. Even though I never in my wildest dream thought I’d be an artist, now I feel everyone can and is an artist. It’s all just the question of finding the right art at the right time.
I’d just like to end this sharing session by reminding you, “Never stop exploring!” You never know what you’ll find. 😊
You found your passion and how 😍 So proud of you 👏 ❤️