Monica Rachel Gordon - Artist, Calligrapher & Instructor
Professional calligrapher & instructor with over two decades of experience with private & corporate clientele.
To me, calligraphy is so much more than mere writing in a pretty way. It is evocative of all that it means to be human. It is of course visual, but also touch, sound, smell, thought, language, sharing, communication, expression, emotion, action, beauty, history, posterity; too much meaning to describe in a paragraph! Suffice to say, it is one of the treasures of humanity that I am proud to help preserve in my own small way.
Fortunately, even in this digital age where the possible future demise of hand lettering looms, calligraphers all over the world refuse to allow artistic hand lettering and flourishing to fade away. It is such a timeless and beautiful art to practice and share that it continues to find passionate supporters both in artists and in admirers.
Cheers to all the calligraphers and lovers of calligraphy out there keeping this treasured art form alive! ~ Monica Gordon
A Sentimental Journey
This antique tobacco tin belonged to my late Father, Ralph, who stored a few antique nibs in it. I remember when he opened it and introduced me to this beautiful art of calligraphy when I was a child, It immediately stole my heart when I watched him create a flourished letter "R". Look closely and you can see where he wrote "Copperplate" on the tin around 70 years ago! It is priceless to me as are the memories of he and I sitting together as I wrote my first messy attempts at calligraphy.
My writing style is lavish and flourished. I adore adding lush artistic swashes to my script. In our modern, fast-paced computer dominated world, I believe hand calligraphy lives on because most people still cherish something an artisan made slowly and intentionally with their hands. It is unique, sentimental and irreplaceable.
Engrosser's Script aka "Copperplate"
I specialize in Engrosser's Script, (commonly known as Copperplate), which is an elegant, shaded script with fine hairlines and graceful curves that is more akin to drawing than mere writing. It is derived from English Roundhand (the script style of the Declaration of Independence) and developed to emulate the elegant engravings by master engravers of the 1700s and 1800s. This script is very popular for wedding invitations and countless computer font variations have been made from this "mother" script.
Ornamental Spencerian
I also specialize in (and adore!) Spencerian Script which is a uniquely American script created by Platt Rogers Spencer circa 1840. Known for its dramatic capitals, elegant ovals and threadlike, delicately connected letters, it's a supremely elegant and airy; perfect for a wedding invitation that wants to mimic antique correspondence. I love to draw these classic letters in their simplest, minimal forms, as well as to lavishly flourish them to create a feast for the eyes!
Credentials
As a member and instructor for I.A.M.P.E.T.H., in 2013 (International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting), I have closely studied both one-on-one and in various workshops with expert calligraphers from around the world and acclaimed Master Penmen. With over twenty years of experience, I've had the honor of creating original calligraphic pieces for many discerning clientele such as celebrities, major universities, local and national corporate advertising campaigns, many high profile events on-site and spot illustrations for fine stationers to use for engraved and letter-pressed pieces.
I would love the opportunity to work with you! Please reach out with any questions you may have I‘d be happy to help!
Clientele include:
Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Chanel, Tiffany and Co., Cartier, Casa Dragones, Hermes, Conde Nast, Pandora, Montblanc, Fendi, Grey Goose Vodka, Neiman Marcus, McGill University,
And many fine stationers such as Allie Munroe, House & Paper and Parklife Press
References available upon request.
I'm based in South Florida but available to travel.
Portfolio
