Mixed Media on Paper
16 x 12 inches

Frame included.

Artist Statement
According to an Indiana University study, handwriting produces creativity not easily accessed in any other way. MRI scans have shown that writing by hand increases neural activity in certain sections of the brain, much like meditation. [1] Another study in Taiwan concluded that calligraphy can reduce stress. [2]

The definition of calligraphy is beautiful handwriting, but it is more than pretty letters. It provides a respite from screens and allows us to slow down. It doesn’t need a battery or have to be plugged in. The pen gliding along the paper sings about love, peace, and a rainbow of emotions. It speaks of the past, present, future, self-discovery, and connection with others.

1. Karin Harman James, Laura Engelhardt. The effects of handwriting experience on functional brain development in pre-literate children. Trends Neurosci Educ. 2012 Dec;1(1):32-42. DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2012.08.001. PMID: 25541600; PMCID: PMC4274624.

2. Henry SR Kao, Lin Zhu, An An Chao, Hao Yi Chen, Ivy CY Liu & Manlin Zhang (2014) Calligraphy and meditation for stress reduction: an experimental comparison, Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 7:, 47-52, DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S55743