Meet the latest Artist of the Month... Chetna! Her story begins with a masters in in Commerce Management, but that soon took her down a path of creativity, and the rest is history! Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
I completed my master's in commerce and management studies, so my professional path didn't start in the arts. However, I’ve always been fascinated by letters and handwriting. Growing up in India, surrounded by the beauty of many different languages and their unique scripts, I was always drawn to the written word. In 2014, while working in graphic design, I stumbled upon beautiful brush calligraphy artworks during a project research and immediately fell in love. Since brush calligraphy was relatively new in India, I taught myself, practicing diligently and exploring various styles like Copperplate, Spencerian, and broad edge scripts. After a few years of dedicated self-study, I successfully transitioned into my journey as a professional calligrapher.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
I find inspiration everywhere, from the pages of books to the everyday details of my surroundings. I'm especially fascinated by the beauty of different languages and their scripts. Also, there's nothing quite like exploring historic places and monuments to spark new ideas.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
The hardest part is unquestionably the business side of art: specifically, the marketing and selling process. In a niche field like calligraphy, it's a marathon effort to establish yourself and overcome the common misconception that this isn't a serious, professional career. The most rewarding part is the rich artistic community I've found. Getting to know and meet a variety of amazing artists and witnessing the depth and quality of their work is genuinely inspiring.
Do you have a favourite style?
I'm most drawn to a free-flowing, flourishing letter style. I love the movement and elegance it brings, whether I'm working with a brush or a pointed pen.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
I've been fortunate that all my projects have been special, but the most exciting ones are those that allow me to innovate and challenge myself.
One project that stands out is the first handwritten poem I created for a daughter to her father, called 'Mere Papa' (My Papa). It was a very large piece, and the experience of seeing calligraphy connect two people so deeply was eye-opening. It made me realize the true emotional power and endless possibilities of this art form, which inspired me to pursue more projects and
I also made a very huge artwork where I wrote in different scripts and wrote the lyrics of the song of the very well know lyricist and writer.
Another deeply rewarding experience was a poem I wrote in Tamil. I don't speak or understand the language's script, so it was a significant challenge to execute such a large artwork using a pointed pen. I thoroughly enjoyed the meticulous process of focusing purely on the visual beauty of the script.
Right now, I'm focusing on projects that allow me to continue this exploration, especially commissions in different languages and scripts, which always draw on my deep appreciation for global linguistic diversity.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Calligraphy relates to my everyday life by providing a powerful way to reset my mind. The calming practice of calligraphy is what allows me to truly slow down and find presence in my everyday.
What are your favourite tools to use?
I love experimenting with brush pen, but the pointed pen is also my favourite.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
My best advice is simple: just start. Don't overthink the outcome or wait for the "perfect" tools—a pencil is all you truly need to begin. Or any simple tool you have. The key is consistency. Practice regularly to build confidence in your craft; this is how you'll naturally develop your own unique style. Take the time to truly understand your script that you are learning, and make sure to engage with the fellow calligraphers and connect with the community.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Chetna (@chetna.morkhade) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
