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Calligraphy is Persistence: Profile of Calligrapher Shahryanshah Sirajuddin

Calligraphy is Persistence: Profile of Calligrapher Shahryanshah Sirajuddin

Benjamin Franklin once said, “energy and persistence conquers all things.” If there is a calligrapher that embodies those words, Shahryanshah Sirajuddin is one. We begin a new year of artist profiles with someone whose determination and love of calligraphy brought him to Turkey, all the way from Indonesia. His sincere journey to learn the art of calligraphy is an inspiration for us living in the west where classes and teachers are not so readily available. His story teaches us that with persistence and energy any creative skill, not matter how overwhelming, can be learned.

Everything You Need to Know - April 29 Arabic Calligraphy Workshop

Everything You Need to Know - April 29 Arabic Calligraphy Workshop

If you're reading this, you're most likely planning to attend our Saturday, April 29 arabic calligraphy workshop in Rockville, Maryland. If you aren't able to attend, no worries, but maybe this blog about one of our instructors will be more interesting for you

Calligraphy is Patience: Profile of Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado

Calligraphy is Patience: Profile of Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado

As Aristotle said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” Calligraphy is a discipline that requires both practice and patience. When I met my teacher, Khalid, exactly two years ago, the first thing I noticed about him was his great patience when writing calligraphy...

Calligraphy is Dedication: Profile of Master Calligrapher Nuria Garcia Masip

Calligraphy is Dedication: Profile of Master Calligrapher Nuria Garcia Masip

I remember once I burned my hand trying to put out a small fire a candle had caused near my work. The electricity had gone out and I was working by candle light. A paper towel caught on fire and I was so worried it would burn my meshk...

Practice is Everything: The North Star of Abbasid Calligraphy Yaqut al-Musta’simi (13th Century AD)

Practice is Everything: The North Star of Abbasid Calligraphy Yaqut al-Musta’simi (13th Century AD)

In the year 1258 when Baghdad was attacked by the Mongols, Yaqut al-Musta’simi took practice to the next level. As the Mongol horde attacked, Yaqut took refuge in a minaret within one of the Baghdad mosques to continue his strict regime of practicing calligraphy...