About the Artful Letter and the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh

Welcome to The Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh's exhibit at the Artists Hand. This exhibit features professional artists and people just starting to share their creativity, which is a beautiful thing. Calligraphy is all about the beauty of the page and the beauty of the words we use, the phrases we carefully pick.

Two nationally-recognized calligraphers from the greater Pittsburgh region are among many guild-member artists displaying their calligraphic art in "The Artful Letter." Approximately 40 works priced for collectors who may wish to assemble a set or make gifts. This is a show for the mind and eye to do a joyful jig together. It's not what you say. It's how you say it. After years of developing their hand through persistent practice, these masters open fresh possibilities by knowing just how.

Myrna Rosen, an instructor in the design department at Carnegie Mellon University, has taught calligraphy there for more than 40 years. Her art has been on display in many group exhibits and a solo gallery show. One of her most cherished honors was to inscribe the donors' names on stone in the chapel of Duquesne University. Her art has appeared in books and the journal, Letter Art Review. She is the emeritus president of Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh.

Judy Melvin's career in the lettering arts included more than 16 years as a calligrapher at American Greetings where she designed cards combining words and her joyful art. She developed a line of greeting cards, several fonts based on her lettering, and designed many products for social entertaining. She has since expanded into the area of expressive and abstract art based on letter forms that has appeared in galleries and in Letter Arts Review.

Read more below to learn more about the exhibit as well as the artists!

About the Exhibit:

It is our goal to showcase a wide array of calligraphy styles and levels of experience. Calligraphy is an art-form that is accessible to those who enjoy historic lettering styles or whimsical modern styles. Hand lettering pairs well with journaling, botanical art, bookmaking, gifts, card-making, framed pieces of art, and items to celebrate special events.

Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh is a community of artists, enthusiasts, and calligraphy professionals located in and around the greater Pittsburgh region. Membership in the guild is open to anyone who shares an interest in the lettering arts. The guild provides a community in which calligraphers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, share experiences, ideas, and technical insights. Our classes, workshops, and play days are held between September and May. Thank you, Indiana Pennsylvania!

For more information: www.calligraphypittsburgh.org

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Anette Duensing

I always start with the painted part of my artwork, which is spontaneous, intuitive and somewhat abstract. The calligraphy that I am adding provides both background as well as context. What I am seeing in the painting guides me towards the text that I am incorporating. Cathedral, acrylic paint, sumi ink on watercolor paper (300 gsm). “Cathedral” refers to how we associate cathedrals with being ancient places of silence and

prayer. Cathedral of Learning, acrylic paint, sumi ink on watercolor paper (300 gsm) “Cathedral of Learning” is about the iconic building of the University of Pittsburgh (using Pitt’s colors) and refers to its “halls of wisdom and knowledge”. Both texts were generated using Chat GPT. The Wave, acrylic paint, sumi ink on watercolor paper (300 gsm) “The Wave” is different. Here, I am sharing my own thoughts about how waves can be beautiful and dangerous at the same time. This piece was finished after the devastating floods of Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year.

Diane Stum Fekete

• Let Me Go

  • Gouache, graphite, and acrylic paints & mediums on Arches Text Wove paper (archival)

    • As I pondered the din of being wrapped up in oneself, these are the thoughts that came to me.

• Autumn Mystery

  • Gouache & wax-based medium on Arches Text Wove paper (archival)

    • These are loosely connected thoughts, just as the web of letterforms are linked together.

• O Wise Spirit

  • Gouache & alkyd paints on Arches Black Cover paper (archival)

    • The layering of letterforms, echoing each other, create a visual mantra.

Amy Flanders

• My Flower Garden

  • Sumi Ink on Canson water color paper and pressed wild flowers

    • Having grown wildflowers in my garden, it seemed fitting to incorporate them with this quote.

Lori Frola

• Still Life at Window / A Walk in the Moonlight

  • Cyanotype Photography Toned with Fenugreek, 24K Gold Leaf, Gouache, Oil Pastel on Watercolor Paper.

    • I began working with alternative photographic processes because they require relentless experimentation and careful observation; yet, they are dynamic and ever- changing by nature of the materials used to make them.

• Springtime at Home

  • Cyanotype Photography Toned with Madder Root and Green Tea, Gouache on Watercolor Paper.

    • The pieces I’ve included here have been made, layer by layer, over the course of days, months and, in some ways, years. I hope they evoke the warmth of memories immersed in nature, in books, and among friends.

• Green Gables in July

  • Polaroid Emulsion, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper.

    • Polaroid emulsion lifts are a temperamental process, a gossamer film floating and flowing from water onto paper. It is a serendipitous practice and highlights the magical quality of art to communicate the intangible, such as curiosity and intention.

Lam Gray

Lam Gray is a Vietnamese calligrapher and artist in Pittsburgh, PA. Her art is inspired by the word of her Lord Jesus and the hope and salvation He gives. She explores the beauty of creation and the human experience in her work.

• Hope, Flourished, Black ink on Watercolor Paper

• The Fruit of The Spirit, Black ink on Watercolor Paper

• Reclaim Analog, Black ink on Watercolor Paper

Lily Hoy

• Paraprosdokians

  • Sumi inks, Manuscript silver light ink and pan pastels on Strathmore drawing paper.

    • A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech where the latter part of a sentence or phrase provides a surprising or unexpected resolution, often in a humorous way, playing on the listener and reader's initial expectations.

• Chocolate

  • Gouache on Arches text wove and paste paper.

    • Random thoughts on chocolate with a twist

Diane Keane

• Tempus Fugit

  • Cut-paper Collage with found images, hand-made paper, gouache on bristol board.

    • A sundial and a bird in flight remind us, in Latin, that Time Flies.

• Winter Moon

  • Cut paper collage with found images, hand-made paper, gouache on museum board.

    • A cloaked maiden stands on the ice, listening to the music of the Moon while being watched by heavenly eyes.

Cindi Kordell

• Song of Solomon

  • Sumi ink, Collage papers up-cycled from other projects, and touches of gold leaf on Acid Free Hot Press Watercolor.

    • This verse from the Song of Solomon really speaks to my heart and soul especially during these current times. I chose the dark dense style of Textura Blackletter for the calligraphy, and elements of gold were incorporated throughout the piece to offset the darkness and to represent light and hope. Warm colors were used for the collage work to symbolize the hope of lighter and brighter days soon to come.

• Squeamish

  • Sumi & calligraphy ink, various colors on Acid Free Hot Press Watercolor Paper.

    • I recently completed an amazing workshop through the Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh called “The Art of Breaking the Rules” with nationally acclaimed calligrapher Mike Gold. It was an amazing experience, as we explored a variety of techniques to “Don’t just make Letters….MAKE LETTERS INTO ART!! When we recognize that letters are shapes that can be molded into a composition, another world is opened up to us as calligraphers! I am convinced that this Emerson quote had a personal invitation for me to play with it – especially that word……SQUEAMISH!! Oh what fun I had with my pens, paints and inks – making letters take on a life of their own – and creating an art piece out of letters!

• Light a Candle

  • Mixed Media, Upcycled collage papers, sumi ink, transfer gold.

    • For this piece, I pulled out endless bits of papers I’ve collected over the years to create flames for the candles, choosing warm colors to convey light and hope. I chose to write the letters in all capitals with a wispy flow to accentuate the movement of warmth from the candles’ glow. Gold leaf has been sprinkled throughout the piece to further accentuate the light – a wonderful quote by W. L. Watkinson, and a hopeful message indeed!

Karen Jane McIlwain

• Dream

  • Watercolor & Ink on Arches Bright White Hot Press

    • Dream’s inspiration comes from a quote from Henry Thoreau, “ If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

Lori Mitchell McMahon

• Ecclesiastes 3

  • Archival Reproduction.

    • This work is a reproduction of calligraphy rendered in both Gothic and Roman hands, layered over a watercolor background, meditating on Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3.

• Frost’s Road Less Traveled

  • Archival Reproduction.

    • This reproduction features words from Robert Frost’s beloved poem rendered in Neuland hand, accompanied by a mountainous landscape and gilded highlights.

• The Book of Questions

  • Watercolor, pigma micron fineliner on Canson Mi-Teintes paper, watercolor, Tamisé metal leaf surface gilding.

    • These pensive questions were selected from those posed in “The Book of Questions” by poet Pablo Neruda; they lead us beyond the rational mind and into the realm of intuition and awe.

Judy Melvin

• We the People

  • Gouache on archival navy paper.

    • The Iroquois words were the inspiration for the first words of the U.S. Constitution written by Governor Morris of Pennsylvania

• Forty-five

  • Gouache and pastels on archival art paper.

    • Designed for the symphony in Melbourne, FL in honor of the 45th anniversary. The border includes the names of 45 classical musicians.

• Uncial: Points of View

  • Guache on archival art paper.

    • Written in the calligraphy style of Uncial, this piece includes inspiring words from political figures from history.

• What Does It Matter?

  • White gouache, variegated gold leaf on archival art paper.

    • The unique lettering style was invented by the calligrapher to interpret the poignant words commenting on the biblical quote from Mark 8:36.

• Letters as Symbols

  • Ink on textured archival art paper.

    • Letters are symbols that turn matter into spirit, Alphonse de Lamartine, freely written with a broad tool.

Judy Mueller

• Salt Water Taffy

  • Watercolor on Aquabee Co-Mo Sketch Acid Free Paper.

    • The brush written text is cut out and floated on a sudoku pattern of colors that do not repeat in each row, column, or small square.

• Sweet Heart

  • Watercolor on Aquabee Co-Mo Sketch Acid Free Paper.

    • The brush written text is cut out and floated on a sudoku pattern of colors that do not repeat in each row, column, or small square.

Karen Nordstrom Roberts

• Three Passions

  • Reproduction. Archival giclee print.

    • The words of Bertrand Russell were an inspiration for creating calligraphic art that embodied his philosophy of the Three Passions.

• While GOD Waits

  • Reproduction with hand-painted gold watercolor on Arches Text Wove archival paper

    • The words were written by the poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore.

• Trees

  • Reproduction with hand-painting and color pencil on Arches archival paper.

    • The well-known quote about trees was written by the poet and journalism, Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action in WWI at age 31. His poem praising trees lives on more than 100 years later.

Myrna Rosen

• Gothic Abstraction

  • Gouache on layout paper

    • From Myrna's archive, this abstract letting was informed by historic gothic lettering styles, created freely in watercolor as an experimental, playful exercise.

• Shakespeare Quotes

  • Gouache on Black archival paper.

    • This piece was written in Secretary Hand, the style of handwriting in Shakespeare's time elevated to an artistic calligraphic style.

• The Chinese Dragon

  • Gouache on watercolor paper.

    • Created for the Carnegie Museum for the annual Christmas tree exhibit with Italic lettering written in gouache. The traditional Chinese Dragon was added for an Asian flair.

      
      

Anne Semmler

• In Flanders Fields

  • This watercolor and calligraphy piece was inspired by the third stanza of John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields”. I chose to concentrate the calligraphy in a circle with the eye drawn into the poppy to emphasize the immediacy of the dead urging the living to continue the struggle for freedom.

    
    

Indiana Calligraphy Exhibition

EMERGING CALLIGRAPHERS

Cindi Kordell is passionate about the art of calligraphy and is currently a member of the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh. Through the Indiana Arts Association (IAA), she teaches calligraphy classes to the community. Cindi’s “Sip n Dip” group was formed after completing her IAA Calligraphy Class. These emerging calligraphers would like to thank Cindi for sharing her talents, her husband Damian for matting and framing and the Artists Hand Gallery for supporting local artists.

Pat Andrascik

I am a beginner watercolorist and left-handed calligrapher

• GARDENERS PROVERB

  • Inspired by my friends who are gardeners, I found this saying to be very true. Their beautiful homes and flowering gardens are due to their gardening knowledge, tender care and hard work.

    • Medium: Watercolor and Sumi Ink on Watercolor Paper

• BUTTERFLY INSPIRATION

  • As a gardener and nature lover, I believe this is a wonderful adage. We all know someone who may not see their wonderful qualities but their kindness, consideration, and inner beauty is evident to all who know them.

    • Medium: Watercolor and Sumi Ink on Watercolor Paper

Candace Joseph

• SYCHRONICITY’S PATH

  • My inspiration is from a quote by Stella Terrill Mann, which I saw by reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I began reflecting on our inner self and its connection to the external world….one’s inner mind and external reality need not be separate…they will always be part of our inter-connected world.

    • Medium: Abstract Mixed Media (background) and brush pen.

• CHASE YOUR DREAMS

  • I have been working with abstract for several years and most recently been incorporating collage. Calligraphy, asemic writing and letter forms have become a new addition to my work.

    • Medium: Abstract Mixed Media, Collage & Sumi Ink on wooden panel.

• INTENTION

  • The quote by Henry David Thoreau leads me to think about one’s true aspirations and wanting to live with purpose and intent. I find the use of ink and a brush stroke as very moving in its simplicity.

    • Medium: Mixed Media, Sumi Ink (sink art)

Kim Kordell

• LOVE EACH OTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

  • Jesus, at the Last Supper, commands us to “love each other as I have loved you.” This sacrificial love is represented by the altar of the cross blooming with life and hope.

    • Medium: Watercolor and oil pencils with sumi ink

Barb Kubala

• HAPPY HALLOWEEN

  • Framed hand drawn piece with several shades of orange and gray. Letters for “Happy Halloween” repeat in a diagonal pattern throughout.

Colleen Myers

• SHAMIRA

  • This Angel was created as a gift for a friend who loves Angels. I named her Shamira- which means Protected by God.

    • Medium: Acrylic paint on wood panel, sumi ink on wet strength tissue paper.

• PSALM 91:1

  • Psalm 91 was my husband Joe’s favorite verse.

    • Medium: Sumi ink on mixed media paper and angel print.

Elaine Palmer

• IMAGINE

  • John Lennon’s Song, “Imagine”, is the inspiration for my calligraphy project. Just Imagine….World Peace united by shared values, without the turmoil caused by borders, religion, politics and material possessions. I encourage you to imagine and envision a world where everyone lives in PEACE!

    • Medium: Calligraphy Brush Pens and Watercolor

Karen Pizarchik

Left handed calligrapher

• BEACON OF HOPE

  • It is exciting to be an emerging left-handed calligrapher under the direction of Cindi Kordell. “Beacon of Hope” is a special prayer for my friend in need who loves lighthouses.

    • Medium: watercolor, pigment marker and sumi ink on watercolor paper.

Yuriko Sampson

• INFINITE BEAUTY

  • My view of mathematics was expanded because of our son’s passion for mathematics. I created this design as I was inspired by his notebooks.

• GROWING HOPE

  • Flowers lift my spirit. May the beauty of nature lift your spirit as well.

• SECOND SPRING

  • I find myself picking up beautiful colorful leaves in autumn. To me, the leaves can be as beautiful as flowers.