Calligraphy Specialization: Cross-Cultural Techniques and Styles

Mathilda Lundin is a calligraphy artist, hand engraver, and designer. Growing up in Sweden, she loved drawing and crafts, and eventually went on to study advertising and visual communication at university. After graduating, she moved to London, where she worked as a designer in digital agencies. Mathilda first fell in love with pointed pen calligraphy after attending a workshop in 2014. After being asked to teach the craft to others, she decided to pursue her passion for calligraphy as a career.

A few years later, Mathilda set up her own calligraphy studio in London, where she works on commissions for luxury brands and individuals around the world. She also personalizes gifts and teaches workshops on the art form. Mathilda has worked on projects for events like The Queen’s Polo for Cartier, and created personalized items and packaging for brands like L.K Bennet, Paperchase, and Goop.

Rie Takeda’s journey with the art of Shodo began at the age of five under the creative guidance of her grandmother, a distinguished GAYU calligrapher. She went on to study at the Gayu SHODO Calligraphy School, which laid the foundation for her artistic career.

She currently works as a freelance artist and professional calligrapher in the UK, Europe, and Japan. Her work has been displayed in numerous group and solo exhibitions throughout the globe. Rie also gives workshops and group lessons of her unique approach to calligraphy which combines Shodo and mindfulness.

Maaida Noor is an award-winning modern and contemporary artist who specializes in Arabic calligraphy. Her work is inspired by her British and Pakistani roots and has been displayed in both public and private exhibitions across the UK. She has a diploma from The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts and is currently studying a number of art forms including calligraphy, geometric patterns, and illumination design as part of her commitment to continue learning about the meaning behind her subjects.

Maaida is known for her signature contemporary style and has worked for brands including Christian Dior, Jo Malone, Estee Lauder, Molten Brown, and Selfridges. She also won the British Muslim Award for Art and Culture Awareness in 2017.

Thomas Lam is a Chinese calligraphy artist and teacher based in London. Born and raised in Hong Kong, his internationally recognized work is taught in calligraphy workshops through his academy Write Like Dance.

For over a decade, he has been sharing his work online and with calligraphy students in the UK and Hong Kong. He is currently developing a learning system for lovers of calligraphy and Chinese culture.

Allison Barclay is a traditionally-trained Jewish scribe (Soferet), meaning she is authorized to write the bible. She grew up in British Columbia but currently lives in London, England, and has been creative since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Inspired by Fiddler on the Roof, she began teaching herself Hebrew letters from an encyclopedia at just 10 years old and experimenting with calligraphy for fun, before studying at Victoria College of Art and Camosun College.

Allison later trained as a soferet. Since then, she has been commissioned to copy poetry and prayers, write and illustrate Jewish wedding contracts, and create pieces for exhibitions. Allison also teaches Hebrew lettering to others and is the first woman licensed to restore Torah scrolls that had survived the Holocaust for the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London.

Carol Fountain Nix is a highly accomplished calligrapher, artist, and educator known for her unique approach to lettering and painting. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Carol has developed a distinctive "urban aesthetic" style that combines calligraphy with other artistic techniques.

As an artist, Carol draws inspiration from the natural world, patterns, contrasts, and the power of words. Her artworks often convey meaningful messages through the combination of lettering and visuals, creating visually intense and emotionally resonant pieces.

With her wealth of experience, Carol has become a respected figure in the calligraphy community, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and featured in various publications. She continues to inspire and mentor aspiring calligraphers around the world, fostering a vibrant and diverse artistic community.