Jan 25, 2012 | Experimental Lettering, New Work, Recent Posts
When I do expressive calligraphy, expression wins out over technique and traditionally beautiful lettering design. What matters most is the personality of the words, and in this case, the personality of the coffee customer.
I live in Coffee Town USA, yes, that would be Seattle, and I am a confirmed devotee. I do love to watch how people order their favorite drinks. Particularly those people who request the "no-foam-no-caf-non-fat—latte?" I mean, what is this? This is not a latte. It's simply a state of denial. But then I'm in the camp of coffee-is-a-vehicle-for-cream, or why bother.
This piece is done in watercolor, guache, felt pen, pointed pen, brush and a variety of brushes. It was created as part of my ongoing fascination with letterforms as an expression of voice. I see my job as a contemporary lettering artist as being a channel for character. I'm not a stylist with a "hand" but a character actress, making visible the intangibles of tone of voice, personality and unique DNA.
See more expressive calligraphy and calligraphic illustration at www.iskradesign.com.
Jan 21, 2012 | Experimental Lettering, New Work, Recent Posts
It snowed this week. Power was intermmitant and I had to shut down my computer for awhile. It gave me time to look out the window and slow down. It was truly lovely, especially at night, when I went for long walks. In the morning the light in the studio was luminous and bright, and I didn't need to turn on any lamps.
I mixed some water the color of the sky and the snow and the stellar's blue jay on the roof, and did some loose expressions of "SnowDay." Often my work is highly refined for reproduction, and must be absolutely legible. My only task here was to please myself and it did not matter if the words could be read from thirty feet away. It's like skiing, using a pen this way. The paper is just like snow, velvety and welcoming, and forgiving you if you fall.
Edged Pen with Pelican Tusche and Cobalt Blue on Teton Cover and Karma Cover.
See more expressive lettering at www.iskradesign.com
Jan 18, 2012 | Current Affairs, Recent Posts
This charming video came to my inbox this week. A bookstore, animated, in all its touchable, three dimensional quirky wonder. Check it out, and support your local bookstore!
Nov 28, 2011 | New Work, Recent Posts
©Iskra Design
Icon project for an art center: different approaches to representing dance, by way of the classic ballet slipper.
Oct 19, 2011 | Handwriting Design, New Work, Recent Posts
When the art director for this project sent me the photos of the model I knew exactly what her handwriting should look like. I love this kind of expressive work, where true handwriting shines. In this kind of work I am an actress, channeling the spirit and character of the subject.
Designer, calligrapher, lettering artist. 