Distinctive Style, (8″x 12″) Photo & Calligraphy © Irene O’Garden, 2013
A calligraphic week– this week I share words with you that are not my own, but that passed through my hand on to muslin in my new studio space. The first is a gift for a young college graduate. It comes from a wonderful book I just finished, called The Art of Writing. This collection of reflections and advice from ancient Chinese masters is proof that writing was no easier for them than it is for us! This quotation is by Song Zijing, from the section entitled: Poets’ Jade Splinters. I loved it and thought it of use to anyone recently unboxed from school.
The second piece was commissioned by an old friend celebrating his 25th year in the priesthood. It was written by Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe. Whatever your idea of Source, Spirit, Higher Power or Self, it’s a rich and intriguing idea:
Fall in Love, (23″ x 27 1/2″) Photo & Calligraphy © Irene O’Garden, 2013
Like a “Persian” rug, the piece bears a flaw: a muslin bump, invisible until I lettered over it at the very end. Like the rug weavers who believe perfection belongs only to Allah, I left it.
Does either quote prompt words of your own?