Calligraphy: Writing as Visual Art
Bridging Historical Scripts and Contemporary Design
Calligraphy: Writing as Visual Art
Bridging Historical Scripts and Contemporary Design
About the Course
Calligraphy is not simply handwriting—it is a visual language that can be applied across artistic practices, from artist books and ornamentation to theatre and film.
This series of workshops explores calligraphy as both a historical discipline and a contemporary creative tool. Participants will study and reproduce scripts from medieval and early modern manuscripts, developing a deep understanding of letterforms, structure, and composition.
Through this process, the course emphasizes not only technical mastery but also the ability to reinterpret historical scripts within a contemporary artistic context.
Approach
Strong calligraphic work depends on understanding the structural logic of letterforms. Without this foundation, visual expression risks becoming inconsistent or unresolved.
Each workshop therefore combines:
Historical study of scripts and their development
Analytical understanding of letter construction
Hands-on practice through guided writing exercises
The course integrates research from a wide range of European traditions—including Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic sources—alongside studio methods developed through my training and professional practice in Ukraine and Italy.
Special attention is given to expanding beyond the predominantly Latin-focused North American context by introducing Greek and Cyrillic scripts and their influence on Western visual culture.
Modular Workshop Series
1. Uncial Script (4th–8th century)
Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic traditions; from manuscript forms to contemporary applications
2. Semi-Uncial Script (8th–15th century)
Evolution of letterforms across cultures; structure and variation
3. Ligatures & Display Lettering (12th–16th century)
Decorative forms, drawn titles, and compositional strategies
4. Cursive Script (14th–17th century)
Fluid writing styles and their adaptation for modern design
Workshop Structure
Each module is delivered over two days and focuses on one historical period.
Theory (approx. 2 hour per script group):
Illustrated lectures covering historical context, structure, and technique
Studio Practice (approx. 4 hours):
Guided exercises in which participants produce written samples in selected styles
Scripts are taught in groups:
Latin–Gothic traditions
Greek–Cyrillic traditions
Participants are encouraged to follow the full sequence of workshops in chronological order for a comprehensive understanding of stylistic development.
You will learn to:
Construct and analyze historical letterforms
Write in multiple script traditions (Latin, Greek, Cyrillic)
Understand the logic of spacing, rhythm, and composition
Adapt historical scripts for contemporary design
Who This Course Is For
This course is intended for participants with a foundation in visual arts who wish to develop advanced skills in calligraphy, lettering, and visual composition.
Course Details
Format:
In-person — Weldon Library, London, ON
Online
Online Format
All lectures and demonstrations are recorded and made available for flexible access.
Live webinars provide opportunities for feedback, discussion, and guidance on individual work.
This course can be adapted to courses in book history, typography, cultural studies, art history, or studio practice.
If you are interested in bringing a similar session to your students, feel free to get in touch: info@dsartistrylabs.com
For independent artists and those interested in historical handwriting, I also offer small-group workshops. If you would like to participate, please send an expression of interest to: info@dsartistrylabs.com. A session can be scheduled once a small group is formed.