LIVE & LOVE THROUGH IT ALL
LIVE & LOVE THROUGH IT ALL
I stumbled upon my passion for calligraphy and penmanship years ago when my life was turned upside down...or to the extent that I could imagine at the time. For over a decade, I worked in medical device clinical trials and medical device surgical sales. The devices that I worked with were based on the same mechanism as pacemakers. The ironic side of that is that my career back then truly set the "pace" for who I was....my identity. Or at least the identity that I was allowed to express in that career. Like many, I identified myself through my work.
Then the market crash of 2008..... I was laid off as were so many others. Financially, we were fine as oddly the timing of the layoff was perfect for many reasons. The most devastating side of the layoff was you wake up and what do you do with your day. I KNEW that I didn't want to return to medical devices. Between only being "as good as the last quarter", incessant travel and the corporate "fit in a box" mindset, that field had lost its luster. So what do you do with not just your life, but your day. I'm not an idle person. I need to feel like I am constantly moving and working to achieve something better than what I had already done.
Well, we also became pregnant and that shifted things for a bit, but I still longed for something creatively mine. Enter, calligraphy. Six days before I delivered Lola, I took my first pointed pen calligraphy class here in Houston. I took that calligraphy class because I used a firm to address envelopes for my daughter's wine soiree (no, I'm not a "baby shower" person). The "computer calligraphy" that I received was a disgrace to the art form of penmanship in my view. Out of that small (huge) irritation, I decided to learn calligraphy. As with anything, I became ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED. I become so passionate about certain topics until they take over my life.
I happened to be in a stationery shop here in Houston with Lola "BabyBjorned" to my chest and began discussing calligraphy with an employee there. At this time, calligraphy was a beginning hobby. Nothing more. The employee asked for my information as she just wanted another calligraphy alternative for wedding and corporate clients. Sure, why not? Fast-forward & calligraphy has not only become my passion, but my peace and my career. I've been fortunate to work for companies that you see everyday. Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Vogue Magazine, Macallan Scotch, Gucci, Chloe, Martell Cognac, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, Nike & the Olympic team.... I've also become known for writing on "anything, but paper" like mirrors, stones, wood, tiles etc :)
Personally, a number of things have changed since back then as well. Some were earth-shattering, but necessities for my peace. I have grown, not just as a lettering artist, but as a person. Welcome to life! However, a few things remain constant. Lola is my heart & my love ...even when she works that last nerve. Calligraphy is still my life. I LOVE & ADORE living in letters. Believe it or not, calligraphy has been the foundation of my sanity & peace....THROUGH IT ALL.
Peace & Love while SLINGING INK®
JHB
Photo Credit: ThreeSmudges Photography
