The Beauty of Calligraphy: Insights and Inspirations – An Interview with Calligrapher Mahfuz
Calligraphy is the decoration of letters and the artistic layout. The glorious form of calligraphy is revealed in the cultures and decorations of letters of different nations of the world. The different nations’ cultures and the decoration of letters in their different languages reveal the glorious form of calligraphy. Calligraphy has been practiced in different languages since ancient times. Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi calligraphy have gained wide popularity in the promotion and spread of Islamic culture. Calligraphy is called ‘part,’ which means “line.” Simply, it is like font or typography. Just like the font used to write Bengali and English, Arabic calligraphy also has different fonts. For example, Naskh, Thuluth, Dewani, Kufi, Nastalika, Sumbuli, etc.
They have different usage patterns and areas. The font we see in the Holy Quran, especially those printed in Arab countries, uses ‘Naskh.‘ The font ‘Thuluth‘ is used for book covers, instruction names, etc., and ‘Dewani‘ is used for writing certificates. Besides, any kind of font can be used depending on the artist’s needs and vision.
The popularity of calligraphy in Bangladesh is not that long-standing. There has been a renaissance of practicing calligraphy in the last 10 years. The people have learned to give a place to calligraphy in the Islamic culture of Bangladesh. Islamic-cultured people are collecting calligraphy paintings instead of traditional paintings and art to express their taste and personality. The use of calligraphy has increased by incorporating its design in homes, offices, mosques, madrasahs, colleges, restaurants, etc. In keeping with the era, the practice of calligraphy is also becoming modern. Not only in painting, but calligraphy is also being used in new fields. Nowadays, people gift calligraphic items instead of traditional gifts at weddings, birthdays, or other occasions. There was a time when people used to mix up print and painting, but now they know how to value calligraphy as an art form.
Now, begins the story of Mahfuziat
It all started with the word “love” written in Arabic with different colors on the pages of a calendar. As a child, collecting beautiful and aesthetic calendar pages was like an addiction to me. The most beautiful pages were placed as my book covers. While studying, my attention was on copying the writings from those covers. At that time, I didn’t even know the name of those twisted writings that were in Arabic and Bengali. I became interested in making wall art in calligraphy after seeing my mother and sister’s handmade wall art. I used different mediums like pumpkin, cucumber seeds, rice, palm leaves, etc., with the writings collected from the pages of calendars. Then, on my own initiative, I tried to learn more about calligraphy both online and offline. I found the pride of Bangladesh, Khattat Sheikh Mukhtar Shorkar Sir, the calligrapher who led the gilaf-making team of the Kaaba Sharif at Makkah. I was able to participate in some of his lessons. Now, I know a lot about mainstream calligraphy through him. Basic calligraphy is done with liquid ink using specialized pens made of bamboo. The origin of “Mahfuziat” is to form the whole calligraphy into a platform. It is originally an Arabic word that means “active of Mahfuz.”
On this continuous journey, my first exhibition was held in Dhaka in 2019 at the “International Winter Art Festival-2019” organized by Alluring Art Work. In 2022, I received the best award among 600 artists from 40 countries at the “Second International Quran Calligraphy Virtual Exhibition” organized by Cultural Art of India, and the following year, I was nominated and received special honor at the “International Art and Calligraphy Virtual Exhibition” jointly organized by Indo-Iran. Then in 2023, three of my calligraphy pieces were exhibited during the month of Rabiul Awal at the “Siratunnabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Calligraphy Exhibition,” which was organized by the Sylhet Calligraphy Association.
Interview with Calligrapher Mahfuz
#1 : What materials and techniques did you use when transitioning from beginner to advanced-level calligraphy, and what recommendations do you have for someone starting calligraphy for the first time?
As a beginner, I started working with watercolor on paper. When I became an advanced-level student, I started using acrylic paint, and it took a long time to understand the psychology of acrylics. If anyone starts calligraphy newly, they can use canvas paper, a set of acrylic brushes, and some basic acrylic colors.
#2: How do you come up with the concept for a new design? Do you rely on research or create based on your own artistic intuition?
The calligraphy design process isn’t different from other design processes. Before designing anything, I have to prepare an elegant design concept with researched content, ideas, and color psychology. When designing for myself, I actually like to generate my own content choices and ideas. But if it is a client’s work, I prioritize their demands and choices.
#3: Did you follow any particular style, and did you study the work of any specific artists?
I like to work with Khatt-e-Wisam. Other Khatt-e designs are also being worked on. I definitely have favorite artists, but I never follow anyone directly. I try to do something unique.
#4: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your calligraphy career?
I had to face many problems because I never took any courses directly or received structured, comprehensive guidelines; I learned by experimenting. If there was a mistake, I tried to understand where and what went wrong and solved it. So, a lot of time and material was wasted.
#5: What do you find most rewarding about being a calligrapher?
In my calligraphy journey, I have discovered many things, both less and more. But what I can say is that it brings peace and inner satisfaction. I am practicing something that consists of Quranic verses, Hadith sayings, Duas, supplications, and Dhikr. These keep me close to the Almighty and provide me with a fresh halal income. The main thing is to find inner peace, which is the main achievement of my life.
#6 :Have you ever worked on any projects? If so, how long did it take to complete them?
Alhamdulillah, I have worked on many individual and organizational projects. Sometimes it takes 20 days, and sometimes it takes weeks. The amount of time required cannot be specified.
#7: What kind of clients or projects do you typically work with?
Customized orders are higher. Quranic verses, Hadiths, name calligraphy, couple name calligraphy, and Duas are the most commonly ordered items.
#8: How long does it typically take to complete a client order?
It may take 1 day to 1 week, depending on the content.
#9: How did you manage the finances to buy tools and equipment when you first started calligraphy?
In the beginning, I had no investment. When I was in the hostel for my studies, I used to save my pocket money and bought a canvas, colors, and a brush set.
#10: In the digital world, do AI and other tools have any impact or effect on your work?
Digital tools always bring something good for us. Occasionally, I also work in Photoshop and Illustrator, especially on logos or digital calligraphy.
#11: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in calligraphy?
There is no end to learning. Always be in practice. As everything is becoming digital and updated, I am also trying to bring calligraphy into a digital version.
#12: What are your future goals and aspirations for your calligraphy career?
I have a thought of working on calligraphy on a large scale, InshaAllah.
#13: What is the first step for someone who wants to learn new calligraphy?
If you want to learn new calligraphy, first you need to know about the calligraphy style guide and learn it as well. Apart from this, you should know the concept of color theory. In the beginning, you have to learn any calligraphy style properly, and it will take a lot of practice.
#14: What tips do you have for those who want to start learning calligraphy?
If someone is new to learning Khatt or a style perfectly, there is no alternative to going to a master for practical instruction. It is a must to become a pro-level calligrapher.
#15: If you could create a piece of calligraphy for anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would calligraph the Dua “Rabbir Hamhuma Kama Rabbayani Sagira” for my mother because she is the one whose inspiration, support, and motivation gave me the greatest strength on my calligraphy journey.
To learn more or to order a calligraphy piece, visit Mahfuziat or email them directly to syedmahfuj88@gmail.com
