The art of calligraphy

An interview with my daughter

Our oldest daughter, Mayra, has a love for beauty. Of all the children, she has taken to calligraphy as a hobby. We recently had a discussion about what calligraphy has done for her. Here is my recent interview with Mayra, age 13.

Dad: Mayra, what do you think about the importance of handwriting? Why should it be beautiful?

Mayra: I think beautiful handwriting shows that you care how you communicate. That you’re willing to say what you mean to say carefully. You are able to express how you feel in different ways/fonts.

Dad: How long have you been practicing calligraphy?

Mayra: I started getting involved with calligraphy when I was in sixth grade because all of my friends were doing it! Then I started really doing it when I found that I really enjoyed it. I really only got into calligraphy last summer!

Dad: When do you use calligraphy now? Are there special occasions? Do you use it often?

Mayra: Yes I am currently using calligraphy. It is so great for decorating posters, sending just a little note to let someone smile, and most especially writing Bible verses because they are so worth making beautiful. I do use it occasionally but not every day like I want to.

Dad: What have you noticed about your everyday handwriting since working on calligraphy? Is it changed?

Mayra: Yes! My daily handwriting has gotten so much better after I learned calligraphy and I actually find myself caring about how I put my answers on a school test or an essay.

Dad: Is there anything you’d like to say to other people your age about calligraphy?

Mayra: Sure! Definitely don’t make it like the book you learned from! That is going to be your biggest mistake. Make it how you want it to look. I know that sounds cheesy but trust me. Follow the book, write by yourself. Also, calligraphy is never perfect. Even if it looks the exact opposite of what you were going for, it still looks good. That’s the fun part of calligraphy! Now go write your friend a kind note!