I started doing calligraphy when I was 12 years old. My grandfather, a NYC fireman, did large calligraphic testimonials for fire department officials when they retired.

I never met my grandfather but his work hung in my house and I learned by using his work as a guide. I have done large poems with elaborately decorated borders in his distinctive hand as well as wedding invitations for family members. 

 

More recently, I began to do single illuminated letters. I am most inspired by examples from the 8th-16th century, often selecting a style and modifying or embellishing it with my own creative elements. Mixing in elements from letters that may be from different periods each letter is unique.

 

Produced freehand directly in coloured and metallic ink with no pencil outline.