Over a period of six masterclasses, we will begin by looking at the architecture of letters, feeling how writing tools respond to touch with the premise of creating a unified alphabet. This will allow you to analyse from historical scripts to create your own versions rather than just copying alphabets. We will visit the British Library to see how past manuscripts have influenced contemporary calligraphy.

We will learn about the painterly and graphic qualities of calligraphy. The painterly qualities will explore scale, form, position, space, colour, tonal contrast and rhythm not just of the letters, but the overall panel of work. We will consider how you can begin to express yourself calligraphically. You will also be shown basic methods of working with gold leaf. The graphic qualities will help you create calligraphy for print as well – cards, stationery and gifts. You will be shown how to create calligraphy for print.

As the learning process to develop hand skills and understanding is considerable and variable, it requires one–to–one tuition as well as group learning.

These masterclasses will hopefully set you off on an exciting life long journey of learning.

PROFILE OF SATWINDER SEHMI

Satwinder Sehmi is a London based calligrapher with an international reputation. He is interested by the quality of the mark, rhythm, tension and texture i.e. the painterly quality created on the page or canvas. His work leads to the conceptual, expressive or gestural and has been described as ‘modern calligraphy as fine art’ by the British Library. Sehmi is fascinated by the scope calligraphy offers to express emotions through movement and rhythms created on the canvas. He has been likened to a virtuoso musician or dancer on paper. Sehmi uses the whole of his body to write rather than just the hand. Sehmi feels that like dance and music, calligraphy is a performance art, and he is comfortable working large and spontaneously – reacting to the marks he makes rather than working with preconceived layouts.
Satwinder Sehmi was born in Kenya and moved to England in 1969. He was drawn to fine writing, initially studied architecture, and then worked in design and graphics where his then limited skills were further developed. His frustration at his lack of ability lead him to full time study at Digby Stuart College, Roehampton.
Sehmi has been working for the design and advertising markets using calligraphy as a medium to express emotions and feeling on paper. He is responsible for much packaging work as well as some of the many popular logotypes seen around. His ability to use lettering as movable and manipulative creates more sympathetic solutions than just fixed type. He has created many television and film titles, including much ‘on-screen’ calligraphy for both media. He has used his calligraphic skills to create typefaces which are now being marketed worldwide by the International Typeface Corporation.
Sehmi’s 1.5m x 1.5m panel entitled ‘War’ has been acquired by the British Library and is on permanent display there. His works are to be found in various other public institutions and private collections in Europe, Japan and the States. His work has been presented to Nelson Mandela.
Sehmi is the author of ‘Calligraphy – The Rhythm of Writing’, a highly acclaimed teaching and reference book. He has taught workshops in France, Holland, Japan and the States.

To book

Book online now! Click here.

Or email Lucy Bramley on masterclasses@guardian.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 20 3353 3099

Alternatively, write to:
Lucy Bramley
Guardian Masterclasses
Guardian News and Media
Kings Place
90 York Way
London N1