The Average Calligrapher

Photo by Rich Smith on Unsplash

Hassan is an avid calligrapher. He loves this art form that expresses the essence of a word or words. He sees this art more than just beautifully handwritten words. For him, calligraphy gives words life. Hassan loves creating calligraphy. However, he is not very talented.

Upon graduating from university, armed with his portfolio, he approached agencies and companies with samples of his work. As he was not exceptionally talented, he was not offered any positions in any of the places for calligraphy work.

Although disheartened, he did not give up. He started his calligraphy practice. He created some pieces and tried to sell them through his own art business. A few years went by, and he did not manage to sell any of his work.

At this point, Hassan was sad and discouraged. He decided that he will no longer pursue this vocation. Heartbroken, Hassan settled for an administrative position in a small company. For a few years, he did not have the motivation to pick up his pen and brush to create calligraphy. He kept all his work in boxes and stored them away. It was just too painful to appreciate them.

One day, his wife, stumbled upon his work and asked him to do the calligraphy for the love of the craft. “You do it as a hobby, sayang. The feeling is different,” she encouraged him. Hassan decided why not, there was nothing to lose this time. So, he picked up his brush and pen to design again.

As the years went by, Hassan continued working in different positions, but never as a professional calligrapher. He continued his calligraphy work, but as a hobby, with no stress, and no expectations, only the love for the craft. With a blink of an eye, he was 60 years of age, upon his retirement, his only daughter was to tie the knot.

“Aba, can you design my wedding invitation card?” asked his daughter. Hassan was most happy to do this for his only daughter. He poured his heart into the calligraphy of the wedding card. The love he has for his daughter and his passion for calligraphy were all affectionately featured. His words finally came to life. A tear of joy trickled down his face as he admired his many years of calligraphy experience.

Several couples who attended his daughter’s wedding was so impressed with Hassan’s calligraphy work that they decided to engage him to design their wedding cards as well. Word got around, and more people wanted to hire Hassan for his calligraphy work.

Hassan spent the rest of his days doing what he loves all his life – calligraphy.