The January/February 2018 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors features a profile of calligraphy and collage artist Sabine Pick. Her break-the-rules style brings lettering to life, marrying calligraphy and art. Here’s a sampling of Pick’s “perfectly imperfect” art and some of her story.
Cloth Paper Scissors: Are there calligraphers or hand lettering artists that you admire and are inspired by?
Sabine: Yes. The movie, “Prospero’s Books,” with calligraphy by Brody Neuenschwander, was pivotal for me. It was pre-Internet, so at the time it was hard to find other people with a similar aesthetic and approach to writing. Now with Instagram, I admire Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls, Diva Pyari, Betty Soldi, and Lisa Mavian, to name a few.
Cloth Paper Scissors: What tools are in your arsenal? Which tools are your favorites, and why?
Sabine: I have a variety of tools. My favorites change if I am trying to get a certain mark. I am in love with a Speedball® B6 nib; at the moment, and it is my go-to nib. Another favorite nib is Baignol & Farjon No. 80. It gives a great fine upstroke, and a lovely wide down stroke.
I’m very hard on my tools. I break a lot of nibs, and I don’t clean them very well. I am always on the lookout for old penholders; I have an array of them.
Cloth Paper Scissors: Why do you think so many people hate their handwriting, and how do you suggest getting over that?
Sabine: I think people are too critical of themselves, especially if they don’t do [lettering] often. I am guilty of that. To get over that, I try to spend less time on the computer and more time doodling with ink . . . and daydreaming.
Cloth Paper Scissors: What is your favorite type of project? Do you prefer creating something for someone you know, so it’s more personal, or does it not matter?
Sabine: I do like personal projects, especially if I know the person requesting the work. I recently did a logo for a florist who wanted really scratchy and messy calligraphy. It made me so happy to do this. I felt that they got me and wanted what I love doing the best. I also love doing tattoo lettering. I try hard to get the best lettering for people, as they will have it on their bodies for a long time.
Cloth Paper Scissors: What would you like your influence and legacy to be as an artist, and as a hand-lettering artist?
Sabine: I have no desire or drive for a legacy. If people like my work, that gives me enough happiness.
See more of Sabine Pick’s story and her intriguing art in the January/February 2018 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors.
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