Long gone are the days of traditional calligraphy where every descender, every ligature was exactly the same. Modern calligraphers are turning out charming work that thrives in the beauty of inconsistency. While I designed and printed my own wedding invitations back in 2004, I didn't trust my penmanship skills enough to address them. For that, I enlisted Rebecca Trawick of
Bluebird Studios. Not only was she prompt and professional but her work was simply beautiful. As if her lettering weren't engaging enough, she also creates charismatic collages out of vintage, found ephemera and her own illustrations.
Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls is the creative genius behind most of the calligraphy work seen in the pages of
Martha Stewart Weddings. Originally a graphic designer and ceramic artist, May broke into calligraphy after her husband gifted her with a class in said art. She does work for numerous publications and private clients including lettering, maps and full invitation suites.
Another occasional contributor to Martha Stewart,
Betsy Dunlap, has a style somewhat reminiscent of
Ralph Steadman, albeit with a more cheerful flair. Flighty, quirky, and fun, Betsy's work is truly a joy to behold.
I can't remember how, or when, I first came across Corey Arnold's work. I think my friend Emily sent me a link to his site a year, or so, ago. He's apparently all the rage now, having done the photography for the latest ad campaign for Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch. You know how it goes, do some work for Discovery Channel and you can no longer leave the house due to the hordes of fans pounding on your door. Anyway, famous or not, Corey's work is simply breathtaking, in a very quirky way. The following photo certainly falls on the breathtaking side. I'm not sure if she's his wife, sister or friend. Regardless, you can't help but stare at such ethereal beauty.
This particular photo has been featured in several papers and magazines. I certainly harbor a fondness for it for obvious reasons: a) it's ridiculously charming b) I have a cat c) I purchased the same horse's head for a Godfather inspired Halloween costume a few years ago...
While Corey is best known for his photography aboard fishing boats in Norway and the Bering Sea, he has a knack for off-the-wall pieces. This one seems to feature a terrier (my other pet) and a squirrel? It reminds me Tim, the MIT Beaver.
Posts
