Signs that the art of handwriting is still alive in Toronto

For many of us, putting pen to paper is becoming an increasingly foreign concept; why risk hand cramps and writing calluses when you can simply type? Why mail a letter when the miracle of email and text messaging exists? However, if you can tear your eyes away from your iPhone for a moment, you'll notice signs that the art of handwriting still exists in Toronto. Here are some ways for you to reconnect with it.

Ink
Three weeks ago, Toronto-based filmmaker Ryan Couldrey released a short documentary on handwriting. In it, he followed artist and photographer Tanja Tiziana while she explored calligraphy as a hobby. As Tiziana carefully crafted letters by hand, she lamented how this practice has become exotic to many. "As an artform, she said at the end of the doc, "it's completely lost to a generation."

Wonder Pens
In Ink, Tiziana visits Wonder Pen. It's a writing store located on Carlaw between Dundas and Queen. Owners Jon and Liz realized that specialized writing supplies were difficult to find in Toronto so they set up shop in 2013. By simply browsing the website, you'll want to start handwriting immediately.

Ligatures YYZ
Ligatures is a community of sorts for those obsessed with typography. The group holds meet up and now runs workshops for those who want to learn brush lettering. The July class sold out, but there's still space available on August 9. For $120, you'll spend seven hours mastering the basics of this craft.

The Shop
As a dedicated makerspace, The Shop hosts script lettering workshops with Have and Hold Design's Sam Dubeau. This popular class sold out in July. This month, it runs over two night on August 24 and 31. It costs $130 and includes a calligraphy kit valued at $50.

Will you pick up a pen to reclaim handwriting? Let us know in the comments. Photo of Wonder Pens by Javin Lau.

by Amy Grief via blogTO