I first became interested in calligraphy as a teenager, teaching myself how to letter signs for the bakery where I worked. I then studied the art in college, and later in life worked with calligraphy masters.
As a professional calligrapher, I started my business, Jacqueline Originals, in 1971 when I found out that people were unwilling to pay $75.00 per hour for original hand-lettered work. I discovered that if I created an original and made prints, clients were happy that they could afford a unique gift with the less expensive price. The other phenomenon was the use of computer fonts by everyone. Why hire a calligrapher? Actually, writing has become a lost art, an art which is commonly ignored by educators.
I practice my calligraphic skills daily, and embellish the words with appropriate graphic designs, often hand-drawn. As a professional artist, I have created abstract paintings using calligraphic strokes. Other paintings feature my original thoughts woven into the composition. The main bulk of my work is calligraphic personalized gifts--over a thousand, with the most popular on my site. I have the largest calligraphic collection of original wedding blessings as well as Native American Wisdom thoughts. I especially enjoy creating custom work for clients.
I have written four books and published my DVD Calligraphy Lessons: "Learn Italic Calligraphy Step-by-step. It's the culmination of hand crafting teaching methods for forty years.
My life is one of daily morning meditation which supplies me with the inner vision
so necessary for artistic creation. An abundance of words and images flows from the silence. I then weave them into beautiful, inspiring gifts for all.
At age 77, I find my happiness, first in my family, and then in clothing thoughts in beauty ALL DAY!