Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Measures Scott.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Was there ever a time that I did not enjoy the physical act of writing? I can’t remember it! I still fondly recall the sensory experience of moving chalk over the blackboard of my little easel when I was preschool-age. I’d fill up the board from one edge to the other, writing letters and numbers. When I was in sixth grade, I created a catalog of humorous items for sale, taking great delight in the tactile experience of writing and drawing.
As a teenager, I discovered pen and ink in a ninth grade art class. I still have that little Speedball kit with the pen staff and pen points. The most fascinating part of it was the booklet of various letter styles that came in the box. I remember tracing the shapes with my fingers on the page and in the air, something I still catch myself doing at times when I’m admiring someone’s calligraphy.
At age 23, I “stumbled” upon my first calligraphy class. It was fast and furious, covering four styles in four weeks. It took only a few moments of making marks with this curious broad-edged pen to realize that it could make magic! I was hooked. I started taking more classes and looked for a group to join. I joined some out-of-town calligraphy guilds, which are delightful havens for letter lovers.
In 1988, I gathered a group of interested folks and started the Waco Calligraphy Guild, which held monthly meetings and quarterly workshops. I became known as the resident workshop junkie (with an “award” to prove it), while continually seeking to improve my skills.
After moving to the Dallas area in 1999, I immediately joined Kaligrafos: The Dallas Calligraphy Guild. I continue to be active in taking their workshops and submitting to their exhibits. The learning never stops. This wonderful field is limitless!
I have enjoyed teaching calligraphy to kids and adults since 1986. Some of the teaching venues include Baylor University continuing ed., McLennan County Community College, Brookhaven Community College, Plano Parks and Rec, and Sachse Parks and Rec.
Many hundreds of workshops, programs and classes have contributed to my learning and enjoyment of this ancient art of calligraphy. I’m grateful to have won several awards in area art exhibits. My personal favorites are teaching private students and working on interpretive art canvases combining abstract work with calligraphy.
Please tell us about your art.
What do I create? Simply put, I paint with words. The variety of work I have created over the decades is broad, from simple applications such as writing names on place cards to more complex works like mixed media paintings using calligraphy as one of the components. I do commission work for businesses, universities, religious organizations, non-profits, and private individuals. In the personal work I do, the message is often from scripture. I aim to infuse truth and hope in my artwork.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I’ve learned that I have to put as much time in on the business end of working as on the creative pursuits. I don’t like it, but it’s necessary to stay current on bookkeeping, etc.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have been in a number of area exhibitions over the years including Texas Visual Arts Assoc., Irving Arts Center, Biblical Arts Museum and Baruch HaShem Messianic Synagogue.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolscalligraphyart.com
- Phone: 214-724-0156
- Email: callicarol@aolcom
- Instagram: @carolscalligraphy
- Facebook: facebook.com/carolscalligraphy
Image Credit:
Carol Measures Scott
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