Calligraphers of Color is a wonderful community of artists and creators that was launched to shine a light on traditionally underrepresented makers in this space. I want to do my part in spreading the word about these amazing artists, who I will be featuring regularly here on The Pen Addict. This week, I talk to Gabrielle from Dunwell Calligraphy, so be sure to check out her amazing work and all that she offers. Thanks Gabrielle!
Hi Gabrielle! Tell us a little bit about yourself, and what you do.
Hello! Thank you for having me. My name is Gabrielle, and I am a calligrapher and hand engraver based out of Southampton, UK. I have been a long-time sufferer of “What Am I Even Doing With My Life?” syndrome, so my day job and what I studied have nothing to do with calligraphy. In fact, I hated art class in high school, but we can keep that between us. I am a nurse by background, and while I no longer work bedside, I’m still an ER nurse through and through. I’m originally from Florida but moved to the south of England a few years ago where I live with my husband and two cats.
My calligraphy/engraving business, Dunwell Calligraphy is a side hustle, which is just how I like it. Once it is safe to have events again, I hope to provide onsite calligraphy and engraving services for luxury brands, as well as day-of services for weddings, parties, and amicable divorces. Just kidding on that last one. Unless…
How did you become interested in Calligraphy?
I wrote a blog post about this very topic here! The very short version is that in October 2018, I decided I needed a hobby that was cheap to start, I could learn on my own pace online, and most of all, didn’t require me leaving the house too much. 2018 Gab was onto something that 2020 Gab did not know would happen. Anyway, Google suggested a few things, but I chose calligraphy and I’ve been hooked ever since! I did brush pen calligraphy for a few months, then started pointed pen calligraphy in spring 2019. Down the rabbit hole I went, and then picked up engraving in January of this year. Calligraphy officially went from hobby to business in May, just under two years after starting! As has been said by many people before me – start before you are ready!
What are some of your favorite tools to create with?
I have quite a few staples! For my pointed pen work, I pretty much exclusively use Ink Me This oblique holders. Nib wise, I’ll try anything once, but current favourites are the Leonardt Principal EF and the Gillott 303. I’m really heavy handed so I am pretty much exclusively using nibs that help correct that. When I’m working on textured paper, I break out my Brause 361 Blue Pumpkin Nib, or my Nikko G nib. For brush pens, I gravitate towards the Pentel Fude line!
For engraving, I use either my Ink Me This engraver or a Thumb Micromotor, with burs I get from eBay.
My absolute favourite calligraphy supplies are inks. What you are to pen addiction, I am to ink! For shimmery metallic watercolour, I use The Creative Kinds, handmade with love by a husband and wife team in Thailand. I love them so much I even carry them in my online shop!
For acrylic ink, I love the Ziller Inks line– they sport a wide range of colours (my favourites being Glossy Black, Midnight Blue, and Cardinal Red). They are waterproof, and great for envelope work. I recently discovered a new acrylic gold ink and have added it to my list of favourites – C. Roberson Liquid Metal Ink in Royal Gold. My Christmas envelopes are going to be extra glamorous this year!
What are you working on now?
I have a dozen plates in the air and they are all spinning frantically! I have just designed and photographed holiday items (hand engraved ornaments in acrylic and ceramic). The inaugural listing is here, with more to come throughout October. I am working on the logistics of teaching modern calligraphy virtually and hope to have that up and running by November. I’ve just started pyrography, so I’m honing my wood burning skills. The next challenge on my list is leather debossing. Basically, if it is a skill that is somewhat similar or even vaguely related to calligraphy, I want to try it at least once!
Thanks Gabrielle! Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
You can visit my website, dunwellcalligraphy.com for more updates. A new blog is posted on Sundays. You can also find me on Instagram @dunwellcallligraphy, or email me at gab@dunwellcalligraphy.com! Thanks again for having me, Brad!
