Calligraphy at St. Nina’s Monastery
“Handwritten letters touch the heart.” So said Jaki Svaren, one of the most prominent American calligraphy teachers of the twentieth century. And one could say more: that handwritten letters, more than any form of writing, materially trace hidden movements of the heart. They embody a meaning beyond words.
grinding stick ink fresh each time: a pause to prepare
Archimandrite Dionysios, the Elder and Spiritual Father of St. Nina’s Sisterhood and many other monastic communities worldwide, blessed one of St. Nina’s Sisters to learn calligraphy from her father, a master calligrapher.
writing with a steel nib on textured paper
Calligraphy is a traditional monastic craft, with many Saints having practiced it as their primary handiwork and obedience. And in spite of modern printing technologies, its significance has not diminished. The ease of digital printing makes handwritten marks even more precious.
Every piece from St. Nina’s Monastery Scriptorium is handwritten using traditional broad-edge pens, freshly-ground stick ink, & gouache colors, a culmination of years of training – tracing an ongoing spiritual and creative journey.