COFFS Calligraphers celebrated life member Colleen Little at their first meeting back after lockdown, relieved they were able to give her the send-off she deserves before she relocates to be nearer her family in Queensland.

A founding member of Coffs Calligraphers in 1987, Colleen shared a snapshot of her love of the ‘writing art’.

“I have been a letter artist for most of my life.

“On leaving school I trained as a ticket writer making artistic posters for display windows of major department stores in Sydney and studying art at night at East Sydney Technical College.

“A love of drawing was ignited at the time, a skill that is combined in the making of letterforms.

“Later, after moving to Coffs Harbour, I worked at Park Beach Plaza as a ticket writer and graphic artist and taught part-time the Showcard & Ticket Writing/Visual Merchandising Certificate course at TAFE in the evenings.

“It was during this time I was introduced to Calligraphy after attending a lecture in Brisbane by renowned English Calligrapher, Donald Jackson.

“Many years of ongoing study followed, attending as many workshops with visiting overseas tutors as possible.

“At the same time with a friend and colleague, I ran a calligraphy design business called ‘The Scribe’s Quill’ in Coffs Harbour.”

Teaching Calligraphy has played a big part in Coleen’s life having gained a VETAB accredited Certificate IV in teaching and being awarded a Certificate of Excellence.

“I combine my love of art and calligraphy exhibiting locally in Coffs Harbour and nationally and am represented in private and public collections in Australia.”

Colleen has won many awards for her art nationally.

As Colleen and her husband Ron set off northward-bound to their family, Colleen is looking forward to a deeper involvement with printmaking, albeit as a student rather than a tutor.

Coffs Calligraphers meet at the Coffs Harbour Showground Gallery on the second Saturday of each month and welcome new members.

For more information, contact Sharon 0414 757 248 or email shaz@ingersole.com.

 

By Andrea FERRARI