Etching art into words, Manpreet style
Jalandhar, August 1
Dipping her pointed nib into the black starch-filled ink, Manpreet Khanna (40) patiently keeps jotting short quotes, birthday wishes and religious hymns on pieces of designer paper.
The way she carefully uses her pen and keeps herself engrossed while weaving stylish letters, her new-found love for calligraphy can certainly be made out. Having learnt the art only a few months ago, she has perfected the art so much that she has turned out to be a professional in the field.
From English to Gurmukhi to Hindi, she is doing it in all three languages. Having put up a stall at Skylark Hotel here for the two-day exhibition that started today, Manpreet has on display scrolls, book marks, gift tags, greeting cards, nameplates, birthday and marriage invitation cards and wall hangings which are attracting customers. The names of 10 gurus, five Pyares, four Sahibzadas and lines from religious scriptures in the form of posters and hangings too lure the onlookers.
Manpreet said: “I am primarily using pointer font in my writings. The ink that I am using is water-based but on drying, it becomes water-resistant. It’s not available in market and can be bought only from Amazon. Writing with such inks needs much practice as there is no scope of correction. One has to be firm with the pen and keep a slow pace. Pressure points have to be worked upon as the letters have to be thick and bold at curves.” Getting into an art which has gone into oblivion since the use of computer technology, she insists, “Calligraphy is something original and involves a lot of personal touch and passion.”
She adds that she keeps on holding calligraphy workshops for children as well as adults and the next in the series is scheduled for October. — TNS
