Well goodness, I just now noticed the 'introductions' threads and decided to pop by, it being my first week on the forums.
My name is Chessie. I'm a knife sharpener and took an interest in calligraphy more or less out of nowhere. I couldn't tell you why even if I tried. It's meditative, beautiful, and requires manual dexterity, maybe? Certainly something in common with knife sharpening, but I'm not sure. Whatever the reason, I find it deeply satisfying.
I'm interested in historical illumination and modern, crafted illuminated works as an art form using modern subjects. Right now, I'm learning the Foundational Hand (per Edward Johnston's method) and trying to figure out precisely which fonts I want to invest myself in.
I used broad-edged dip pens with ground inksticks (at the moment the Brause nibs, though at the advice of one of the members I may switch to Mitchell. If anyone has any feelings on that, I'd love to hear them) and can best be described as 'extremely novice'. I've only been at regular, focused practice for about two months. Fortunately, one of the other members pointed me at a lovely online course that sounds like just the thing to improve.
I'm always open to advice and the thoughts of other calligraphers. I've attached a small sample of my recent work.