What is calligraphy for beginners?
Calligraphy is the art of writing a script in a specific style or design in order to express it form of an art. Calligraphy includes different languages and due to which its fonts and styles are so diverse that it is almost impossible to sum up its family tree.
Calligraphy fonts in accordance to languages
Calligraphy fonts for example are done in the following discipline; Arabic, western and oriental, which further includes languages like; Chinese, Arabic and Latin. Similarly, every language has its own implication and rules regarding calligraphy envisaging different fonts respectively. Some forms of calligraphy fonts are shown below you make you realise the diversity of this form of art;
This form of art is also globally appreciated as it finds way through people’s heart of different race and religion. Arabic itself is one of the six languages which are recognised in the United Nations. As seen in the historic mosques the tourists become awe struck watching this hidden jewelled script as they envisage something more than the art itself. Also, in ancient temples and churches you can see various calligraphic forms.
How is the calligraphy of alphabets done?
Every language has calligraphy of alphabets in different style. English calligraphy alphabets being written in an artful manner to express emotions and skill. These are done using broad tip instruments which includes various brushes and sticks, this is an example of old English calligraphy:
On the other hand Chinese have a whole different mode of calligraphy fonts, below is the example of Chinese calligraphy:
Whereas Arabic calligraphy has 28 alphabets which are written from right to left in a cursive manner exhibiting codified Arabic language.
Potential of art in every form
Muslims are believed to be more prone to adopting the sharia than to focus on the core beliefs However which is vice versa. The practical aspect of their religion is as crucial as the spiritual one. Other than practising their religion they believe in the concept of love the most because it is the basis of Islam. Their dedication and affection with their belief pulls them to express their sentiments in to this art. It is an expression of love for their Creator and their Prophet Muhammad SAW that they write the names of Allah SWT’s names and His verses into mesmerising fonts and styles to fascinate masses. To attract the people and to feel the depth and creativity God has bestowed upon his creations. For Muslims this is an ‘Aqeedat’ (affiliation) to their belief when they are practising calligraphy.
Wonder struck writing styles of Quran
In functional calligraphy writing, the letters and words may not be understandable but is an impression of art. similar is the case here; the measured strokes and prepared consistency of Arabic alphabets make up a unique combination of versus or words which breathtakingly beautiful.
From the process of its genesis to its completion it is so divine that it is almost impossible for the beholder to not fall in love with it.
When you first look at the names of Allah being written in the calligraphic font you stir in the wonder of His creation and tend to discover the mystic world of spirituality even more.
Soul awakening Calligraphy letters and illustrations
Calligraphy letters being anciently used as a mode of communication is still a source peace and quest for your unexplained and unasked questions. We often in the hustle of the word stop and look upon ourselves to see’ how far have we come?’ Have we ever noticed what have we been measuring our distance with? What do we mean when we say “how far have we come?”
There is always a quest in our heart to excel in the way of goodness. That virtue is aggrandised by the spell binding glance of the fascinating calligraphic art. You aspire to look beyond those letters and codes; knowing the meaning of the codes and scriptures mentioned in the calligraphy of letters. It is a channel and a methodology to intrigue your inner self to look for hidden meanings. You get to understand the significance of decoding minor details in your specific life as well.
How do you write calligraphy?
There are certain rules to write each and every alphabet. In Islamic calligraphy ‘kalam’ is the type of pen used to create different angles to the letters. The four basic rules of writing Arabic calligraphy are;
- The rhombic dot
- The ‘Alif’
- The circle
- The similarity system
So you need specifically designed nips of pens and certain style in your mind to first practice each alphabet and then using your knowledge converting it into an art.
Best Calligraphy set for beginners:
- coit pens
- fountain calligraphy pen
- permanent markers
- reed and bamboo pens
- quill pens
Is Calligraphy hard to learn?
Calligraphy is hard to learn for the beginners because of its diverse nature and multiple origins and variations but you are passionate about this art it will be a source of pure happiness for you to even struggle with the learning process; indeed, a quality effort you make for own self.
“There is no accounting for the tastes”
What is the origin of calligraphy?
Origin of calligraphy is not defined to a single area. Muslims in the 7th century adopted this style to write the scriptures of Quran for the first time. Romans adopted this visual art in 600 BC and then later used in the expressions of western calligraphy as well. Calligraphy is a form of art which is used as form of communication as its codes within itself the meaning of those letters and verses, later it was also adopted in the decor of architectures and designing of metals and figures worldwide. Muslims have been using this form of art to write their ‘Holy book Quran as an act of virtue.
The origin of calligraphy is often manipulated and stereotyped. The wrong doing of this world is that it judges on the basis of racism and fascist beliefs specially in reference to Islam. Despite the irrelevance of Islam with the violence going on in the world; every little thing related to this religion is automatically deduced to be controversial which is highly unacceptable. Calligraphy for a Muslim is solely a worship and an act of divine virtue that he believes he will be rewarded for but the global civilisation manipulating its image is surely a dilemma to the whole art community. For art have no boundaries and bondage’s. Art is an art because it is applicable in all races and is relate-able in some way or another to everybody.
What is Islamic calligraphy?
Islamic calligraphy is the style of writing the Arabic alphabets and letters into a definite composition which is considered to be a classic form of calligraphy and is widely recognized around the globe. As its implications are diverse and the learning process is also deep rooted and according to specific laws. The ones practicing this form of art spend their whole life in mastering a single Arabic alphabet and its dimensions.
The specific areas of the world where Islam is the most practices religion, this form of art is widely practices and valued both as a form of art and as religious values oblige them to .It is indeed a sacred art for Muslims themselves and the artists practising this are considered the most dignified individuals in the Islamic societies.
Possible ways for the revival of this Art
This world is a global village and is mostly connected by the medium of internet. The very practical and easy way to revive the art is to share its scriptures through pictures on social media and to share the pictures of historic sites envisaging these fonts. Make sure to make this art a part of our art galleries in the capacity anyone can. Promote the learning skills of this art because most of the people refrain from its difficult learning process.
In some parts of the world the traditional calligraphy of Arabic and Persian language is practices in basic schools to make children more familiar with this disciplinary art which is also a very good idea to make people adopt easily. The architecture industry should also encourage designers to use these scriptures as they are incredibly aesthetic. The historic sites envisaging these fonts and styles within their fixtures provide huge and also minor details to the architecture of the buildings.