Simon Sonsino
Since taking over as Director at Ardington School of Crafts with my wife, Yvonne, I’ve found very little time for my own art—one reason I’ve started running workshops here. Any excuse to get the inks out!
If I were to give myself an artistic title, it would be Textual Artist, as I have a deep love for all things letterform. I came to calligraphy relatively late, picking up a dip pen for the first time at 30. While I now hold an OU design degree, along with various certificates and calligraphy diplomas, I believe the true richness of learning comes from working with and being inspired by others.
These days, my work leans toward the abstract, with a focus on artistic calligraphy rather than practical lettering. I believe modern calligraphy doesn’t need to convey a literal message to have meaning. Instead, I strive to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of calligraphic art. My compositions aim to transform words and letters into abstract images that express cadence, humor, atmosphere, and emotion. I believe letterforms can evoke feelings in ways that verse alone sometimes cannot.
Recently, I’ve been drawn to mosaics and pottery and am exploring ways to combine these with my textual art.
In my view, every art form needs just two key attributes: impact and intrigue—impact to capture the viewer’s attention, and intrigue to hold it.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In no particular order:
Inspirations
Learning how others create their art, regardless of genre, has been pivotal to my artistic journey and deepened my love of letterforms. Their techniques and styles have inspired me, adding elements that have enriched my work and helped my style evolve.
Sharing techniques and ideas with like-minded people at workshops and demonstrations is also a key part of what I do. For me, the true joy lies in the process itself—sometimes, watching the paint dry is more satisfying than the finished piece.
Other Interests
Pottery, mosaics, competitive table tennis, cooking, building projects in our garden and looking after my wife and dog.
If I were to give myself an artistic title, it would be Textual Artist, as I have a deep love for all things letterform. I came to calligraphy relatively late, picking up a dip pen for the first time at 30. While I now hold an OU design degree, along with various certificates and calligraphy diplomas, I believe the true richness of learning comes from working with and being inspired by others.
These days, my work leans toward the abstract, with a focus on artistic calligraphy rather than practical lettering. I believe modern calligraphy doesn’t need to convey a literal message to have meaning. Instead, I strive to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of calligraphic art. My compositions aim to transform words and letters into abstract images that express cadence, humor, atmosphere, and emotion. I believe letterforms can evoke feelings in ways that verse alone sometimes cannot.
Recently, I’ve been drawn to mosaics and pottery and am exploring ways to combine these with my textual art.
In my view, every art form needs just two key attributes: impact and intrigue—impact to capture the viewer’s attention, and intrigue to hold it.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In no particular order:
- My two books: Textual Art (2015) and Textual Art II: Impact & Intrigue (2020)
- Earning my Open University Degree
- Demonstrating at Art in Action (2015 & 2016)
- The many commissions I’ve been honored to receive
- And, of course, taking on the responsibility of Ardington School of Crafts
Inspirations
Learning how others create their art, regardless of genre, has been pivotal to my artistic journey and deepened my love of letterforms. Their techniques and styles have inspired me, adding elements that have enriched my work and helped my style evolve.
Sharing techniques and ideas with like-minded people at workshops and demonstrations is also a key part of what I do. For me, the true joy lies in the process itself—sometimes, watching the paint dry is more satisfying than the finished piece.
Other Interests
Pottery, mosaics, competitive table tennis, cooking, building projects in our garden and looking after my wife and dog.