Linas Spurga

Calligrapher

©Linas Spurga

The creative potential of calligraphy

To him, words can not only be read but also experienced
Calligraphy is Linas' way of life
He believes social media makes calligraphy more accessible

Linas Spurga has been familiar with the world of writing since childhood: his father is an artist and one of Lithuania's most famous book designers and design educators. However, Linas knew nothing about calligraphy until he entered the Vilnius Academy of Arts to study graphic arts. He began to take an interest in the history and philosophy of writing and then discovered its creative potential. He was inspired to create his own fonts and draw letters. Currently, Linas organises calligraphy exhibitions and collaborates on various artistic projects. One of the most important ones is his collaboration with the curators of the exhibition "Why is it so hard to love?" Saskia Bodekke and director Peter Greenaway at the MO Museum, where Linas' calligraphy decorated the exhibition space. He writes with everything, from makeshift tools such as combs and tin cans, to traditional pens, brushes and markers.

Interview

©Linas Spurga

©Linas Spurga

How did you decide to take up calligraphy?: I was introduced to calligraphy during my studies at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. I enjoyed the historic depths of writing and the creative potential calligraphy provided so I decided to devote my master’s years to it. From there it was pretty clear that I wanted to be a calligrapher.
What do you like the most about your craft?: I enjoy how calming it is and how much focus it gives me. I also love the shape-building aspect of calligraphy in the sense that there is an unlimited number of letterforms I can create. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to teach calligraphy to others.
Would you say you are a member of a dying craft?: Yes and no. On one hand, calligraphy, I think, has never been more popular and partially thanks to social media more people are trying their hand at this craft. On the other, I think the number of true calligraphy professionals that can advance this art form in the future is very small or even declining.
What is the balance between tradition and innovation in your work?: I try to innovate as much as possible although not in a technological kind of sense but more in a creative sense. Which means trying to elevate calligraphy from a purely formal and classical space to a more artistic and experimental one. But I must say that it cannot be done without taking tradition into consideration.

Linas Spurga is a master artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2015