The juxtaposition of heavy strokes and light, crisp lines in every line and letter is what makes calligraphy beautiful. In its earlier form, calligraphy was calculated—all letters measured precisely to create a unified, clean template. But modern calligraphers have scrapped some of the rules of old calligraphy and have created a new style that feels more liberated. Although still maintaining the uniformed measurement of letters and the same stroke patterns, it defies traditional boundaries and leaves behind a natural, chaotic, but still elegant quality.
Calligrapher Fozzy Castro-Dayrit is one of those taking this modern form. She stumbled upon modern calligraphy while planning her own wedding, seeing how it was being used in table name plates, invitations, and such. Inspired by its elegance and coupled with her love for everything paper and writing, she decided to study the craft.
Now, Fozzy is one of the most sought-after calligraphers in the country, commissioned to do projects like logo design and even gift cards. But Fozzy’s most memorable project to date was creating a series of prints for Heima Home & Lifestyle. Together with Heima’s design team, she was able to create beautiful posters that can now be seen in restaurants and homes around the metro with her calligraphy as the focal point.
In a world where people communicate through email and express their thoughts and feelings in less than 140 characters, Fozzy has found a way to bring the art of writing back to life.
This story was originally published in Northern Living, April 2014.
