Monday, February 16, 2015

Off the Grid









Top: c/o Aeropostale (on sale!); Jeans; Gap (similar); Shoes: c/o Aeropostale (sold out, find them here also)

I spent this evening copy-catting other calligraphers on Instagram, hunting for some new styles to try out. I changed out my nibs, poured fresh ink, and went through countless sheets just adding flourishes to my capital letters and experimenting with the lines over "t"s. I was struck by how happy I felt. Even when ink spilled all over my hands and stained them a blotchy black, it felt nice. Like this hobby is literally seeping into my skin. I'm sure that's not a healthy seep, but nevertheless, the ink blotches are temporary tattoos marking the thing that I find myself loving most lately.

Learning calligraphy, like learning any other hobby, feels really clunky at times. Like I'll never be as fluid as some of the greats out there, never as precise, or as controlled, never as inventive. And I probably never really will be, but like any hobby, even the tiniest gains fill my heart. To learn something new, to attempt to excel at it, to share it with others, is to experience some serious joy.

I know that, for myself, my day job is never enough. And I doubt any real day job I have ever will be enough. It doesn't give me that feeling that working creatively with my hands does. When I hold a camera, take someone's portrait, style a shoot, do a craft, write, create lettering, it feels like my whole body is being renewed. I know that Ben feels the same way when he works with wood, or brews, or does a home repair - he feels the life flowing back into him, back into the place sucked dry by the daily grind. I think it's critical for everyone to have something that they find absolute joy in doing. For some of my friends, it's running and planning for marathons. For others, it's baking. For many, hiking. It is never enough to just come home from work every day, sit on the couch, and watch Netflix (though we keep it on while we do our hobbies, and some days we really just need Netflix time). It's critical to find your joy!

In order to stop spamming Instagram with my calligraphy practice, I started an Instagram for my calligraphy shop! You can follow it here.

25 comments

  1. Just checked out your calligraphy instagram and I am impressed! How did you get started? There are so many calligraphy classes out there, and I want to make an attempt at it!
    Nidhi
    An Unblurred Lady

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  2. Looking beautiful in this minimalistic outfit! Your shirt is fantastic!

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

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  3. Loving the print of your top, and your boots are gorgeous!

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  4. Amazing laid-back look!

    http://fashion-soup.com/

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  5. Love this on you Kelsey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    www.theadoredlife.com

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  6. Very cool! I have a friend who does calligraphy and loves it!

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  7. What a great idea to browse for examples on Instagram to inspire you to try and learn new things - I didn't know there was a whole section on instagram for it at all, but now it seems like duh! It's so visual why wouldn't it be!

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  8. Love this outfit! The grid top is great- and awesome title. Love your booties as well.

    http://thepreppysisters.blogspot.com

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  9. I love doing the same. Although, sometimes I copy yours :) You are great at it!

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  10. Loving the hair knot - very calligraphy, swoop-y! ;)

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  11. You should post some of your work here! I'd love to see it.

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  12. It's so amazing to find a hobby that you love and brings you so much joy! You should post some of you calligraphy for us to see :)

    http://www.kaciesklosetblog.com/

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  13. This post was actually really insightful. If you don't have a job that makes you feel that joy, you DO need to make time for hobbies that do.
    Also, you look stunning!

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  14. I think it's so great you are practicing calligraphy. That is something I admire! I love the way it looks! Love that you started an Instagram dedicated to it as well. =D

    xo,
    nancy

    http://www.adoretoadorn.com

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  15. Can never go wrong with a fun windowpane pattern! Love it! And calligraphy?! That's so cool!

    Pink Champagne Problems

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  16. love the top! I love my day job, but like you, I have to always be doing something extra, something also creative but different. So glad you are finding joy in calligraphy!

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  17. This is great! I feel the same way about blogging. I didn't know that I would love it so much. I just knew it was a great way to share my message, but now that I have been doing it for a few weeks, I can't imagine giving it up. I love having the creative outlet that I hadn't realized I was missing. :) It is so important to find something that brings you joy!

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  18. Beautiful as always :)

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  19. This is my favorite outfit of yours yet! It's SO flattering on you.

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  20. Congrats! Definitely following on IG. I'm so impressed by your work! And, I know the feeling of needing/wanting a creative outlet!

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  21. These plaid shirt and pants fit you so well. You look sexy even covered up. Love those boots and that hair too!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  22. The look is so sweet and simple.

    It's best for outdoors :)
    XO

    http://thebandwagonchic.blogspot.ae/

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  23. SIMPLE AND SWEET!!

    check out my Rebecca minkoff 2015 fw runway coverage:
    www.thelaughingshooter.com

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© kelsey malieMaira Gall