Though I have been dabbling with some brush calligraphy here and there, what I really wanted to do (but was damn intimidated to) was pointed pen calligraphy.ย The idea of putting together nib to holder and dipping in ink to write sounds intriguing in the most delicious way. But I was hesitant to try it because (1) I did not have any of the supplies needed and (2) I am a leftie and the hobby doesn’t seem to be too friendly to those like me. Ink smudges on the sides of the hand, anyone? The struggle is real, people.

Anywho. I attended the Inks & Colors: Calligrafriends PH meet last Saturday and it was so much fun! Learned a lot from the resource speakers, and the loot…! It was more than awesome, really. Lookie here:

Inks & Colors loot

And part of what I took home was not just one, but two pointed pen sets! ๐Ÿ˜€ Among others, all participants each got a plastic straight holder, vintage nib (a Hiro 41 if I guessed correctly) and ink in our registration kits. And I actually lucked out on the raffle and got the pointed pen set from SEVEN DAYS OF WORK: that lovely oblique wooden holder, nib and jar of sumi ink!

Needless to say, I had more than enough reason to at least try this type of calligraphy. So yesterday I played around with the holders, nibs and inks. To my surprise (or not), it was both as hard and as easy as I expected. Confusing, right? I mean, assembling everything was easy but it took several tries for me to find a comfortable grip on the straight holder that would minimize ink-smudging.

The oblique holder is a whole ‘nother can of worms altogether though because it was made specifically for right-handed users. Again, #leftieproblems galore. For the sake of using it (sayang naman kung hindi, di ga?), I tried to make it work somehow. I tried using my left hand like usual, then with the paper turned 90 degrees clockwise. I even triedย using my non-dominant right hand. Made my hand ache after all that writing, but I’m not complaining. Good news is I was able to actually write, which is really more than I expected of my trials. Haha. Low self-esteem much, eh? Whatever.

Pointed pen calligraphy trials

The green ink was actually watercolor from the Simbalion palette I also got from the kit. I obviously need a hell of a lot more practice before I can get better at this thing. But I’m optimistic that I can do a good job, hopefully sooner rather than later. With that in mind, let me just leave this trial artwork here.

Insensitive pointed pen
coffee siggy

15 thoughts on “Pointed Pen Calligraphy

  1. This is really interesting. I wonder why do some people can really be a master of their own craft just like what I’m seeing in what you do. I truly admire your works, I find it hard, but I guess very fulfilling. I really don’t have talent in art, though I’ve been trying, but it really won’t work. Your works are very impressive and beautiful. Keep it up!

  2. I remember when i was in college we had calligraphy in our curriculum, and it was really interesting to learn, but i guess it needed constant practice.. Now i totally forgot how I used to wite very nice and neatly.. I must try doin that again..

  3. I wish to attend one of the calligraphy session soon to.. How i wanted to learn calligraphy and more info about it. Such so beautiful those stroke and curves. Your handle and nib are so awesome. Keep it up mamshie! More strokes and curves to go. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. I used to dabble in calligraphy when I was younger but I didn’t have the patience or the dedication to continue. I have so much admiration for your talent to pursue this craft! From the view of your writing, I would never have guessed you are left handed! As a fellow creative though, I can sympathise; we tend to be our own worst critics.

    Keep up the amazing work! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. The struggle is real. With pointed pen, I started using drills and walnut ink. I got myself a starter kit and tried it around two (2) years ago. There are oblique holders fit for a leftie and there are for righties. I’ve experienced using this and it is really challenging. I just used the straight holder and various kinds of nibs. I’ve got some stories about my experiences over my blog. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. I really wish to learn as well but I don’t have the opportunity, this is a good example of practice makes perfect, there’s a process though but if you persevere just what you did, then you will truly reap the sweet harvest

  7. I remember trying my friend’s pointed pen and it was really hard at first! And so it really required a lot of practice but I still didn’t get to the point to be as good as you. Great job! ๐Ÿ™‚ Your works look so nice.

  8. Calligraphy is quite an established an established art form India thanks to the Arab influence. Many of our monuments have messages written in Calligraphy, even the Taj Mahal. Some months back, I was visiting a monument in Delhi and we came across some young boys practicing calligraphy. Come to think of it, we all have been students of calligraphy when we just began writing, isn’t it? The pen in your last image takes me to those days.

  9. It sure is like a pluma! I am not into calligraphy but it is somewhat like intriguing to me already. Like, hey Zwits, you should give this a try! hahaha well, hopefully, one day, I’ll make sure to be able to spend a time giving this hobby a try. people are now into this and I guess, I am not too late by then to join! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I like the idea of the pointed pen, it’s somewhat like a blast in the past like 1900ish!

  10. I have always been in awe of pretty Calligraphy writing. I’ve neen dying to try it since last year. I am
    a bit hesitant because I am a no artsy at all and I’m afraid that if I buy calligraphy pens, it might just go to waste.

  11. This is one of my frustrations. :/ I gave this a try one time at an event and I really want to dig deep into this. Yet can’t find the time now. But hey, don’t be too hard on yourself those are nice.

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