By Natalie Roach
Students who are tired of the usual onslaught of general college courses can liven up their schedules and their lives by signing up for one of the lesser known classes offered on campus.
Introduction to calligraphy, VAstu 109, just might be the cure for an otherwise boring routine.
Approximately fifty students are currently enrolled in introduction to calligraphy. Revisiting their days back in elementary school when they first learned how to write, these students are practicing their way to prettier penmanship.
According to Webster''s Dictionary, the word calligraphy comes from the Greek words 'kallos' and 'graphy,' meaning beautiful writing.
Kristyn Pincock, 22, a senior from Omaha, Neb., majoring in elementary education, is learning how to write beautifully by taking this unique class.
'It''s so funny to listen to everyone during class. It sounds like we are all in the first grade, learning to write the alphabet for the first time. People are always saying things like ''I can''t do the O''s. They''re too hard,''' Pincock said.
When Pincock does her calligraphy homework, she rolls back the tablecloth and spreads out her supplies: special calligraphy pens, an ink jar, loads of example lettering and a stack of blank paper.
Then Pincock gets to work on an assignment. For this particular assignment she had to fill out fake diplomas and certificates.
'The spacing between the letters is so important,' she said. 'You have to get it just right or else you''ll be marked off.'
Many students are surprised with how difficult calligraphy actually is, Pincock said.
'It takes a lot more time than you would think,' she said.
Although some might wonder at the need for calligraphy''s unique hand-written style in this modern age of computer fonts, Crystal Watson is living proof that the art is alive and well.
Watson, a resident of Salt Lake City, began her own calligraphy business, The Letter Factory, about nine years ago.
She got her start about ten years ago when she took her first calligraphy class. After that, she bought a few instructional books and progressed from there, she said.
There is a healthy market for calligraphy in Utah because there are so many weddings here, Watson said.
Along with wedding invitations, Watson specializes in the smaller things that larger companies can''t do. For example, she regularly receives requests to pen poetry, songs and scriptures.
'Calligraphy certainly has a look all of its own,' Watson said.
There is something special and different about lettering that is done by hand, she said.
'Calligraphy is my artistic outlet,' she said. 'It''s so relaxing.'
Through introduction to calligraphy, students can learn the art of beautiful writing and help to preserve this ancient style of expression.