OM: We know your work thanks to your beautiful Instagram profile. You have a huge following, too. Please tell us when did you start doing calligraphy ?
Thank you! I love writing since I was a little girl, but I started doing calligraphy April 2015. That was the first time I bought the pen holder and nibs. I began with drilling and doing the basic strokes. I’ve never imagined there will be so many people following my progress on Instagram. I’m grateful that I have so many friends who support me.
OM: Awesome! We see that you are a watercolorist, too. Do you blend the two art forms in your work?
Yes, I found that watercolor and calligraphy complements each other. Calligraphy as an art piece in its own right. It is beautiful, neat and firm. Watercolor adds the unpredictable and spontaneous factor. One of them should be more dominant than the other to create balance.
OM: There are several forms of calligraphy. Which one do you use? How did you learn it?
Mostly I write Modern Calligraphy and Copperplate style. I studied many master penmen and calligraphers that post to YouTube. I practice what I’ve learned everyday.
In modern calligraphy, there is a period of time when I really explore my own style. The possibilities to create my own rules and form sets me apart from the classic calligraphy. The goal is to find uniqueness, so people can tell the differences between calligraphers.
OM: Well, we love your style! What tools do you use? And which are your favorite and most used?
I use a pointed pen, waterbrush, and brush pen. Currently, I’m learning how to use a parallel pen. My favorite is pointed pen because of the different nib. It can produce different types of letters, even with the same technique. The carrot-type, oblique pen holder has a comfortable grip, thus, allowing me to create steady writing. Walnut ink and gold touch in calligraphy also plays a big part in most of my artwork. They give the touch of classic and glamour to the overall look. For watercolor, I love to use the waterbrush. It creates long. thin brushstrokes for details. I also have a travel watercolor set when I’m on the road!
OM: It’s evident a lot of detail goes into your work. How many hours does it take to create a piece?
Depends on the size and detail level of the piece. It can take between one to five hours. I usually make more than one sketch, to find the concept and layout. Then I create a couple of sets to make a color chart before starting the design.
OM: Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m inspired by many things: my friends conversations, lettering community, social cause about women, children, and nature. Most of my inspiration comes when I travel to new places and find their local handcraft workshop. I learn new things. I love to paint and write outside my studio, where I can hear people talking and different music is played.
[bctt tweet=”‘Calligraphy as an art piece in its own right.'” username=”OcchiMagazine”]
OM: Tell us a bit more about the style of calligraphy and lettering you’re doing! What sets yours apart from other artists?
If I can say three words that describe my calligraphy, they are: simple, dynamic, and feminine. The thin swells (shades) and hairline strokes makes it more romantic, some say!
OM: Do you use any specific tools to create the hairline strokes? Why?
No, I like the basic tools because it’s practical, and multi-functional. However, in watercolor, I’m more into realistic painting and the use of masking fluid is very helpful.
OM: You also conduct workshops. Could you share how our readers can register?
Currently, I conduct workshops in Surabaya, Indonesia. For information and registration, you are welcome to email me at grace.syiariel[at]gmail[dot]com. This year I will start a Periscope @gracesyiariel, we can do artwork together and chat in real time.
OM: How cool! Well, people love what you’re doing and are certainly asking for pieces to be created! As your client base grows, what has been your biggest challenge? How were you able to overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me is categorizing each project and setting the price. I always put all effort in every project, and my main concern is the purpose of the project itself. I can give the art piece to support a cause and set a commercial price for business purpose.
OM: Is there an alphabet other than Italic, that you adore, but haven’t tried, yet?
Yes, I love Blackletter and Ornamental Script. Now that I’ve learn foundational with parallel pen, I can get used to the straight line.
OM: What are your thoughts on ancient and traditional calligraphy in comparison to modern calligraphy?
Ancient calligraphy is a cultural heritage. It’s an art which records the changes in history. You can see how the writing style changes from time to time. I think modern calligraphy is more a trend, which in the future will be a part of 21st century history, where there aren’t any strict rules applied in writing, allowing for individual expression. Personally, my goal is to write in traditional calligraphy.
OM: What has been your defining moment in your career?
The defining moments for me is when I found my long-time passion in art and calligraphy, to get acknowledged by national newspapers, and collaborating with other artists because my art can inspire people to start making their own. I am very grateful and blessed.
OM: What can you share with aspiring calligraphy artists?
Be grateful for every progress that you’ve made. Keep learning. In every stage of our art-making, sometimes we get money, and sometimes we get what money can’t buy.
Keep inspiring others!
You can visit Grace Syiariel on Instagram.
About Author
