Simon Sonsino
Since taking over as Director here at Ardington School of Crafts along with my wife Yvonne, I get very little (if any) time for my own art, which is one reason I've started to run my workshops here - any excuse to get the inks out!
If I had to give myself an artistic 'title' it would be Textual Artist, as I love all things Letterform. I came to calligraphy late, I was 30 before I picked up a dip pen, and although I now have my OU design degree, various certificates and calligraphy diplomas, I feel the richness of learning comes from watching and working with people who inspire me. These days my work tends toward the abstract and most applications of my work are for artistic calligraphy rather than practical lettering. I believe that it is acceptable for modern calligraphy to be illegible as a literal message, and so strive to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of calligraphic work. My compositions show that words and letters can become abstract images that convey visual cadence, humour, atmosphere and expression. Letterform can evoke feelings in the viewer that verse alone is not always able to.
In my opinion, any art form need only have two attributes: impact and intrigue – impact to grab the viewer’s attention and intrigue to hold it.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In no particular order: My book Textual Art; My Open University Degree; Demonstrating at Art In Action (2015 & 2016); All the commissions I've been honoured to have been asked to do; And of course taking on the responsibility that is Ardington School of Crafts
Inspirations
Learning how others create their art, regardless of genre, has been pivotal to my artistic direction and love of letterform; from their techniques and styles I have gleaned elements that have motivated and enhanced my own art and helped my style evolve and grow.
Sharing techniques and ideas with other likeminded people at workshops and demonstrations is an extremely important part of what I do. For me, the joy comes in the activity...Sometimes watching the paint dry is more enjoyable than the finished article.
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Other Interests
Competitive Table Tennis, cooking, working in our woodland, enjoying Dartmoor and looking after the wife and dogs
If I had to give myself an artistic 'title' it would be Textual Artist, as I love all things Letterform. I came to calligraphy late, I was 30 before I picked up a dip pen, and although I now have my OU design degree, various certificates and calligraphy diplomas, I feel the richness of learning comes from watching and working with people who inspire me. These days my work tends toward the abstract and most applications of my work are for artistic calligraphy rather than practical lettering. I believe that it is acceptable for modern calligraphy to be illegible as a literal message, and so strive to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of calligraphic work. My compositions show that words and letters can become abstract images that convey visual cadence, humour, atmosphere and expression. Letterform can evoke feelings in the viewer that verse alone is not always able to.
In my opinion, any art form need only have two attributes: impact and intrigue – impact to grab the viewer’s attention and intrigue to hold it.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In no particular order: My book Textual Art; My Open University Degree; Demonstrating at Art In Action (2015 & 2016); All the commissions I've been honoured to have been asked to do; And of course taking on the responsibility that is Ardington School of Crafts
Inspirations
Learning how others create their art, regardless of genre, has been pivotal to my artistic direction and love of letterform; from their techniques and styles I have gleaned elements that have motivated and enhanced my own art and helped my style evolve and grow.
Sharing techniques and ideas with other likeminded people at workshops and demonstrations is an extremely important part of what I do. For me, the joy comes in the activity...Sometimes watching the paint dry is more enjoyable than the finished article.
.
Other Interests
Competitive Table Tennis, cooking, working in our woodland, enjoying Dartmoor and looking after the wife and dogs