Meet the latest Artist of the Month... Lakshmi! Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
My first knowledge of calligraphy was when I was a school student and my father bought me a Manuscript calligraphy pen set from one of his official travels to Europe. This is when I explored calligraphy on my own. However, in 2017 I decided to formally study the art form. I enrolled in a correspondence course with SSI, UK and began in-depth study of the formal scripts like foundational hand and italics under the mentorship of calligrapher Ms. Sylvie Gokulsing. This passion was further fuelled by an opportunity to attend a workshop in Mumbai with penwoman Ms. Barbara Calzolari to learn copperplate calligraphy in 2020. Since then, I have been consistently practicing to hone my craft and improve my skill. Beginning from 2024, I have been conducting online workshops to teach American cursive, Print script, copperplate calligraphy and brush calligraphy to school children and calligraphy enthusiasts.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
Nature has always been my earliest and strongest source of inspiration. Before I ever picked up a calligraphy pen, I painted a lot, and the colors, textures, and peaceful details of nature shaped the way I see beauty. When I began learning Arabic calligraphy, my inspiration grew deeper through Qur’anic verses. Their meaning, rhythm, and spirituality guided my practice and made each stroke feel purposeful. As I stepped into my career as a live event artist, my inspirations expanded even further. Now I draw ideas from almost everything; brand themes, event concepts, fashion, architecture, and even the atmosphere of a space. Each activation brings its own story, and that keeps my creativity evolving. I am also inspired by other artists and traditional craftsmanship. The dedication, patience, and skill behind handmade work always remind me why I love creating with my hands.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part of working in a creative industry is to develop a unique sense style in an artform that is representative of the artist’s journey. And this is also the most rewarding aspect of working in a creative industry. The ability to transform thoughts and ideas to a piece of artwork makes me believe that the journey is as important as the destination.
Do you have a favourite style?
I like to blend art with calligraphy. Simple flourishing on a traditional script is a style that appeals to me the most. The contrast of pointed pen flourishing on broad-edge scripts is my current obsession.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
My first commission work to create an alphabet layout in simple copperplate calligraphy for a client in USA. I was commissioned by a friend to create Christmas cards and gift tags and it gave me so much joy that I was a small part of her celebration. Currently, I am working on creating decorative monograms using Lombardic capitals.
What is your best calligraphy tip, trick, or tutorial?
Using pencil for practice drills and letterforms before using the pen tool is a great way to warm up. This is very efficient to achieve consistency in letterforms, angle of slant and reduce stiffness in writing movements.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
I find every opportunity to use calligraphy in my everyday life; from gifting to friends and family, making place cards, monograms, gift cards, and addressing envelopes. The creativity that emerges from these projects gives me so much joy. As someone with a full-time job at a manufacturing company, calligraphy commissions are an escape from the real world and offers me peace and calm.
My favourite way to unwind on weekends is to practice with a calligraphy book from my library, and the manuscript calligraphy pen, multiple cartridges, and some layout paper.
What are your favourite tools to use?
Pointed pen nibs, gouache colours, broad-edge pens are my favourite tools to use. The manuscript calligraphy pen is my favourite tool for last minute favours.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
Attending workshops with experienced calligraphers is the best way to learn. Watching calligraphers write in real time gives so much insight on how to handle the tool, arm movements, and pace of writing. I personally watch a lot of calligraphy videos available on social media to slow down my pace of writing.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan (@laksmigopal7) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
