Experimental & high-contrast calligraphy

The fascination of contrasts

After several years, I am returning to Mariastein Monastery – a place brimming with tranquility, focus and a unique atmosphere. For some, this weekend will be a little ‘revival’; for others, a new discovery. As soon as the monastery gates close behind us, everyday life remains outside. Silence spreads. Time slows down. And that is precisely where our journey into the world of experimental calligraphy begins.

The finest lines meet powerful forms. Delicate movement encounters striking presence. With a fine nib and a Pilot Parallel Pen, we explore exciting contrasts and weave them into surprising letterforms full of expression and personality.

The focus is on the expressive Bold Beauty typeface: a modern, dynamic block script consisting exclusively of lowercase letters that is wonderfully easy to write. It is precisely its simplicity that opens up countless possibilities for experimentation. Written with a Parallel Pen, a broad nib, automatic pen or flat brush, it constantly develops a new character.

But it doesn’t stop at the typeface alone.

Layer by layer, vibrant compositions take shape: delicate fine-nib lines play around compact letterforms, backgrounds are painted, textures built up, contrasts deliberately employed. Playfully, works emerge that balance clarity and wildness, stillness and movement.

Taking a break now and then is important, with a walk in nature or spending time in the monastery garden.

This workshop is an invitation to find inspiration, try something new and immerse yourself fully in the creative process. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply curious to experiment, you’ll be amazed at the expressive power of pen, ink and your own hands.

A weekend at the Benedictine monastery of Mariastein: creative, inspiring and full of special moments.

 

Workshop – Details:

When:        Friday, 2. October, 5.30 pm to Sunday, 4. October, 5.00 pm

Where:       Monastery Mariastein, Klosterplatz 2, 4115 Mariastein SO

Cost:           CHF 430.00.- incl. pen holder, 2 nibs, black ink, course materials, parallel pen incl. 6 replacement cartridges, will be ordered by me

Board & lodging: CHF 270.00.- excl. drinks

Registration:  Deadline: 18 September 2026

Please read the registration and cancellation terms and conditions on my website.

• I also request a deposit of CHF 50.00.- (TWINT is available: 0793117261) or by bank transfer. Should the course not take place, the amount will of course be refunded. Once the deposit has been received, you will receive a confirmation of registration
• How to get there: By public transport, take the train to Basel, then from Basel SBB station take tram 10 to Flüh, or the Post Bus from Flüh to Mariastein
• Registration