robinturner | Calligraphy (Reply)

I've just watched a video Nalan took of her calligraphy teacher, Doğan Çilingir, in action. I had no idea Arabic calligraphy was so precise - every line and curve is measured against itself and the others by pen-widths. While watching someone write a line very slowly sounds only slightly more interesting than watching paint dry, I was enthralled. Nalan wants me to try it, but I doubt if it's possible for left-handers: even though for once I'd have the ease of pulling a pen instead of pushing it, I think all the angles would come out wrong.

Although I generally enjoy my generalist lifestyle, sometimes I envy those people who can do one thing really well.