Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 By Rita Manno
Words have a purpose. They tell us what we want to know and how to communicate with others.
But words have an emotional interior. With the art of calligraphy – which anyone can do — words become a beautiful part of your soul. Something that gives you happiness and a feeling of success.
Calligraphy is a visual art. It is the design and execution of lettering with an instrument. It is a form of writing that is especially used in journals.
“It slows us down. We have to slow our brains down. We learn to be quiet,” says Maureen Peters, a calligrapher and graphic designer for many years.
Peters who teaches the art all over the country will be at Medford Leas, a not-for-profit residential community for older adults, for a four-session workshop. It is where she says “people can begin a calligraphic journey.”
As part of the “Pathways to Learning” program at Medford Leas, residents and members of the community come to the events — most of which are free — to enjoy concerts, lectures, workshops and gardening, how to do it and how to keep it going.
Peters will be at Medford Leas on Fridays, Oct, 2, 9, 16, and the 23rd at the Lumberton Campus Great Room. Visit www.medfordleas.org for more information
These classes are for beginners to introduce them to the art of calligraphy. Participants will use a dip pen with various mediums including water color and ink to create a unique piece of artwork. Total cost of the workshops is $15, which includes all materials.
The classes calligraphy on a leaf and writing poetry. “Whatever ever is closest to your heart.”
Teaching calligraphy in college was near to worthless, she said. “You can’t learn calligraphy from a book,”
Peters has taught people with AIDS, Alzheimer’s and older people who are trying to understand.
“Everybody deserves a chance and you would be amazed with what they come up with. The whole class celebrates, especially when a person has had trouble.”
Making small decisions, Peter says makes it easier to make bigger decisions in other areas.
Calligraphy helps us declutter the noise in our heads; use colors to brighten, take color and slows us down. It also reminds us to be kind to ourselves and take responsibility for ourselves.
Peter’s work has been published and is in several private collections. She is also owner of Letterworks Art Studio in Woodbury. She learned the process of the medieval illuminators’ palette, color derived from animals, vegetables and minerals using medieval techniques.
She emphasizes that her classes are not designed to make professional calligraphers. She wants people to learn basic techniques and produce something they are proud of and that is close to their hearts.
