Life Lessons I Learnt From a Master Calligrapher

My aunt sent me a text message the other day. Her exact words, “The lockdown has funny manifestations." I think what she meant was that the pandemic had impacted us in different ways. As humans, we have shown considerable resilience. We have proven the proverbial words, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Some of the enterprising ones have even taken out the shot glasses, added some salt and gone ahead and made tequila - you get the gist…

To hush the din in my head and to do something with my newfound time, I decided to take up a hobby. Being the kind of person who shies away from anything conventional, I decided to let my creative juices flow by trying my hand at a new for me but very ancient art form – calligraphy.

I quickly learnt that there are many styles within the captivating world of calligraphy. I was particularly fascinated by the beauty and vintage style of pointed pen copperplate calligraphy. English handwriting masters developed this in the 18th century. I could not wait to start. I got the opportunity to take an online class with Barbara Calzolari who holds the highly prestigious title of 1 of 12 master penmen in the world.

Barbara’s effulgent personality, a dazzling smile, energetic demeanour and uber-stylish glasses immediately put us at ease.

She compared the art of beautiful writing to a dance form like ballet, full of freedom and movement. To elaborate, she showed us various visuals, one of them being of a pair skaters from Germany who performed at the 2018 Olympic games. She compared their beauty and effortless but graceful moves on ice to how our pen should glide on paper.

She drew parallels between the writing of letters and the fluttering wings of a beautiful butterfly or a blossoming flower.

The ‘ovals’ she said were similar to throwing a stone in a lake. Observe how ovals consequently get formed in the water; they are always perfectly proportionate. She explained that the ‘slant lines’ we use as reference points are like bridges whispering to us, leading our pen and showing the way. She substantiated that the rhythm of nature teaches us with her articulate movements.

(Barbara demonstrates her perfect ‘O’ and “Ovals”)

She got inspiration for vibrant hues and colour from Paolo Piccioli, the creative designer of the famous fashion house Valentino. And yes, this too was demonstrated with videos and pictures which were a treat for sore eyes.

In the break, she would passionately discuss coffee and how the Italians drink it in summer chilled and shaken with a dash of Baileys. Her passion and childlike wonder, finding joy in the smallest things in life and attention to detail were remarkably refreshing. I could feel her palpable energy like candy to my veins and I was instantly transported to Bologna, Italy (her hometown.) (This wasn’t only because of my home confinement and the only travel I was experiencing was from my bedroom to my living room.)



Now armed with my oblique pen, I was ready to conquer the world of foundational shapes of the copperplate script. But more importantly, I learnt some profound life lessons from Barbara in the short period of my interactions -


1) I am not a font. I whisper. Sometimes I am loud. But that makes me unique and special.

2) A flourish is an expression of love. It is like a poem I create with my energy.

3) I am always learning. I am forever a student because there is room for improvement.

4) There is no highway to growth. It is a process.

5) Have your individual style. No one likes copies. Do not get lost in the world of Instagram where everyone is churning out the same letter in the exact style with little personal creativity. 

6) Make your unique mark.

7) Originality is like the kiss you give your lover. It is your expression in that magical moment.

8) Feel it in your body. Exact the shape and become it.

9) Creativity without vision is nothing.

10) You have to know your history and be proud of your heritage and culture because it will take you where you want to go. 

11)Nothing in life is easy. But always listen to the sound of your soul; it will guide you.

My original goal from this class was to learn the entire alphabet. My take away? Over copious glasses of red wine and Barbara's mellifluous Italian accent, was that the joy is in the journey. She taught me that all of us are inherently creative; we only need to tap into it. And most of all her passion, humility and perpetual hunger to keep learning left me floored. Learning calligraphy takes time, immense patience and practice. Sometimes it can get exasperating although it took me to a place of inner peace. I became a curious child again and I have Barbara to thank, for giving me unbridled permission to play and have fun.