Illustrating the art of calligraphy

---

Tweet

For Kathryn Darnell, magic happens when her pen glides across the paper.

“You take a pen and you put it in ink, put it on the paper and you just watch these letters form under the pen. I find that just amazing,” said Darnell, an East Lansing resident.

Darnell’s interest in calligraphy first began more than three decades ago after her mother requested Darnell take a class in it.

“I enjoyed it and continued on,” Darnell said. “Other than that one calligraphy class, I’ve pretty much been self-taught.”

Darnell turned her interest in calligraphy into a career by becoming a professional illustrator, calligrapher and teacher. She teaches classes through the Department of Extension and Community Education at Lansing Community College, 422 N. Washington Square, in Lansing. Darnell provides her professional services by addressing invitations, labeling diplomas and designing logos.

On Saturday, Darnell taught a calligraphy workshop at Kresge Art Center. Darnell said calligraphy often is a first step into visual arts for some people.

“It’s a fun art form to do,” Darnell said. “It’s interesting to do because in this age of computers and computer fonts, my work has changed over the years because of that. But that’s not necessarily bad. Having something that’s actually hand done, it’s more special to some people.”

---