I am a fan of Apple Computer and its charismatic co-founder, Steve Jobs.
Apple has historically placed a high value on the design aesthetic of its products and their functionality. Even the early all-in-one Macintosh computers had the polished edges in the software that came installed on those beige boxes with the molded carrying handles.
Those familiar with Jobs’ story are not surprised. He had a fascination with design and beauty. He even audited a course at Reed College in 1972 on calligraphy.
His interest in calligraphy led to the Macintosh’s emphasis on typography and visual design. Something that had been missing from the computing culture until that point.
Historically, calligraphy has ebbed and flowed in popularity, in my mind at least. Hundreds of years ago, religious texts were embellished with calligraphy designs to decorate and emphasize the Biblical texts. (For a deep dive into that focus, check out the article Biblical illumination.)
In this modern age of computers and technology, one might think the time-consuming craft of calligraphy is losing ground. You couldn’t be more wrong.
In Calligraphy’s Magicians, we learn calligraphers are alive and well in this social media-focused society we live in.
That article looks at an organization called Friends of Calligraphy, among other aspects of this art form.
I have had a desire to learn and practice calligraphy over the years. I’ve bought beginner pens and writing templates to develop my skill and style. But I’ve not stuck to it for more than a few weeks before getting sidetracked with “life.”
Perhaps it is time for me to make a focused effort to explore calligraphy and give it another try.
PHOTO CREDIT: Buddha in Samrup Rachna Calligraphy. (by Dr Syed Mohammed Anwer via Wikimedia)
