Modern calligraphy with Artsynibs

Modern calligraphy is definitely on my to-do list of things to learn.

One of the modern calligraphers I admire is Joyce Lee, who runs Artsynibs in Manchester.

We follow each other on social media and regularly swap tips and advice.

Last week, we did it in person after arranging to meet in York to share our skills.

We took over a table at Spring Espresso in Fossgate and got the pens out over coffee.

Originally from Singapore, Joyce moved to the UK with her husband five years ago.

While he studied for a masters degree, she took up calligraphy and set up Artsynibs.

Her interest calligraphy was piqued by her husband’s fountain pen obsession (read more here).

As we sipped our drinks and tucked into a delicious lunch, Joyce introduced me to some of the modern calligraphy basics.

She also showed me how to use the brush pen she had recommended to me some time ago.

I also tried Japanese Sumi Ink for the first time – and it smells a lot like wet grass!

In return, I demonstrated the more traditional foundational and italic hands for Joyce.

We ‘ooohed’ and ‘ahhhhed’ a lot over each other’s pen collection.

I added to hers with a small gift of a hand-crafted wooden nib holder from Driftwood Pens.

It was really lovely, relaxed afternoon and the conversation flowed as freely as the ink.

Meeting Joyce has definitely fuelled my desire to master the art of modern calligraphy.

I’d love to make it down to one of her workshops in Manchester – they look like a lot of fun!

In the meantime, I’m waiting anxiously for the postman to bring me a starter kit she’s put together me and a book that she recommended I buy.

Then it’ll be a case of watching a lot of online tutorials – and finding the time to practice!