Elaine Witton

As a calligraphic artist with a background in textiles, I like to combine lettering and mark-making with fabric and use paper or parchment like fabric as a base for stitching.

In my work I demonstrate many aspects of calligraphy. I convey this not only through traditional lettering, but by producing an abstract work where the letterforms are free and have become spontaneous marks. These marks are sometimes achieved by the use of unconventional tools such as ruling pens and pipettes. Where appropriate, I combine various other techniques with my calligraphy, such as printmaking, to create a fusion between different media.

I admire the work of the artist Kandinsky and am inspired by his words: ‘Letters act as practical and useful signs, but also as pure form and inner melody’.