Kevin Williams is a Canadian calligrapher based in Ottawa, Ontario. Kevin, has he really just started on calligraphy in 2013? Oh wow, amazing what focus and purpose can do, added to a simmering broth of artistic sense! Kevin's contribution to the Gallery table at the monthly meetings is usually dramatic; wolves, darkness, storms & stars often inhabit his imagery. That is his ‘Textura Quadrata’ side. Kevin also shows his ‘Foundational’ side (you will understand the metaphor as you read on) as he immerses himself into the work of the CSO executive. Whether it is the website, graphic design, digital technology, he is on top of it all. Kevin is quite a fantastic new member of the CSO, very active and generous of his time, his knowledge and his equipment. No wonder he received the John Whitehead award this year! Thanks for sharing Kevin.
Q; How did calligraphy come into your life?
I’ve been fascinated with the knights of the middle ages since childhood, and was first exposed to the striking letter designs of the era in the various books on the subject I’d pore over. I first tried my hand at forming them myself in high school after discovering a misplaced Speedball nib in a box of linoleum cutters in a printmaking class. Of course I studied from all the wrong sources and used what little “skill” I earned mostly to write terrible, trite and shocking brief love letters to a girlfriend at the time. I lost the thread after school, with my career and a new family commanding my attention. I returned to it 2013, influenced in part by discovering an online community of like-minded amateurs with which I could share my rather rare interest. The scarcity of learning resources online led me to find the CSO’s website.
Q: What inspires you for your calligraphic projects?
At the root of almost every project I undertake are strong emotions relating to my life and the connections with the people in it. There are of course plenty of other influences and sources for inspiration — favourite music, the natural world, the works of other artists whose works one admires — but my most successful works are created from the heart.
Q; Do you have a routine and a special space for doing calligraphy?
My creative space is the same desk I work at on a computer all day out of necessity. For me, the act of creation itself is the thing, not the space it’s created in or any routine that precedes or follows the act. This is purposeful: I don’t want to create the same piece over and over again, exchanging only one pithy quote for another. Avoiding the confines of a particular space or a routine help keep my mind open to new possibilities.
Q; Do you have a preferred script?
Don’t we all? I have two: Foundational, because it’s so functional, familiar, modern and utilitarian, and Textura Quadrata, because it’s the antipode of all those attributes.
Q: What are your preferred tools (e.g. nibs, writing liquids, papers, reference book/magazine, website, blog)?
My preferred writing tool is the pedestrian broad-edged steel pen. Though not strictly for lettering itself, I sometimes decorate or enhance works with an airbrush or colouring pencils. I have nothing to offer on the subject of learning resources: A year or so ago I chose to spend what little time I have to spare exploring instead of studying. This isn’t good advice for becoming a skilled calligrapher, but I’m following my own path.
Q: How long have you been with the CSO, and what do you enjoy most about our guild?
I joined the CSO in Fall 2013, so still a new member relatively speaking. My favourite thing about the Society are its courses and workshops; sharing our knowledge helps preserve it against loss.
Q: What workshop or instructor has had the most impact on you as an artist?
I admire and respect them all, but none more than Rick Draffin. His passion, patience, skill and generosity are infectious and deeply humbling. I am proud to call him my mentor and friend.
Q: Can you share a tip or advice from your experience?
Every hard-won skill or pearl of wisdom I have to share on the subject of lettering is because someone at our society imparted it to me. Open your heart to every presented opportunity to learn what you can from them; young or old, rookie or veteran, they all have something to teach us.