For those of you unfamiliar with calligrams, they are images created out of spatially-arranged text, usually related to the image they create.
I began doing calligrams several years ago, and enjoy the “bite-sized” research involved in gathering facts, history and general information about a subject. The first one I made was probably a Viking ship or the wassail tree; the latter, I accidentally found being used as the back cover design of an art magazine online out of Romania; I asked them to attach my web address and credit the image to me, and they did so, but it taught me a valuable lesson: embed my name into the calligram!
Below is one that I did recently while on holiday in Lugano. You’ll hear more about that soon, but in the meantime, enjoy this calligram! Just click on it to enlarge it. The image itself is based on a vintage postcard collage.
If anyone would like to use this in any way, please contact me through the comments below; whenever using any image, please give credit – whenever possible – where credit is due!
Calligram is a new word for me. Apparently they’ve been around a long time.
Very cool.
This is the first I’ve heard about calligrams. I love yours. It must take a lot of patience and a fair bit of talent.
Yep! Ancient Persia started the art form, I think.
Glad to introduce you! For me, it mainly takes an eye for finding a compact scenario, and a bit of research (as well as condensing that down to fit on a line).
You have a talent for calligrams. I doubt many others do.
Dear Stephanie Huesler,
For the educational project Neon we would like to publish your Calligram # 1: Ticino in the English lessons for children up to 18 years old. It is very beautiful and it suits our specific educational lesson perfectly.
Could you please let us know what the possibilities are for obtaining permission to use the material?
Best regards,
Janet Deibert
janet@neon.nl
Hello, Janet! I’m happy for you to use it if you include my name in your lesson as artist of the piece. Thank you for asking! (You could also point out my name and the date I made it, which is included in the design.)