In March 2025, three of my calligraphy inspired artworks went on the wall at Metamorphosis, a Creations Atelier art exhibition at Art Space St Marylebone Parish Church, alongside the works of twelve other artists.
The three paintings I displayed are ‘Messages in the Light’, alongside ‘Heart Mantra’, and ‘ Kaleidoscope Vision ‘ part of my ‘Divinity’ art series. Following Metamorphosis ‘Messages in the light’ moved on to be exhibited at Dulwich Festival Artist Open House at Kingswood House close to St Stephen’s Parish Church on College Road at Southeast London.Â
The stylistic Inspiration of this painting is derived from the stained glass at my parish church near Dulwich Village. The light shining through the bright and colourful glass is so beautiful. I decided to encrypt messages throughout the design. The messages are hidden behind the beautiful ancient oracle scripts of calligraphy art.
The process of painting this artwork was rather complex and took several steps. I started with the geometrical shape and design of the glass on paper and then chose the ink and colour. Once the background was completed, I had to wait for it to dry. Meanwhile, I prepared the messages and drafted them in the ancient scripts. I rehearsed the individual script separately until I was comfortable with the shape and form.Â
The first challenge arose when piecing them together onto the prepared background tiles. It took me few sessions to finalise the position where each script would be placed. It was the ‘ Heart’ symbol that led the process to flow in the end.Â
Then, the next challenge arrived when it was time to use the calligraphy art tools as it required vision before the precision part could be carried out. Each calligraphy script was a project in itself. There were twenty three symbols in this work, and therefore twenty three takes for this piece of art. With meditative force, the scripts were meticulously calligraphed onto the paper with the brightly inked stained glass design. During the Exhibition, the bright coloured background befitting for a church, brought a great response from the viewers, but what I loved the most was that the visitors’ curiosity for understanding the messages I had painted was even greater.
The messages behind the eye-catching composition and the ancient oracle calligraphy scripts convey a deep belief and good wishes to all who come in contact with this piece of art, regardless of profession, age, belief, race, language, ethnicity, gender and geographical location.
So, what are the divine symbols ?
The painting contains two parts at the upper side of the painting projecting what one hopes the heaven would be. If you observe the painting carefully, you might be able to identify the two stars high up in the sky and shine brightly upon the earth with candle and joyful drums and shakers. Contrasting with this, the lower part of the painting depicts what one might be witnessing. If you look closely, you may be able to identify the five senses we use to experience our life in the painting on display, including the eye, nose, ear, the human body. Furthermore, it depicts the nature of our life containing bitterness and sweetness. It you search with care, you might identify the challenges symbolised as a mountain, with ups and downs, the strong current that brings us forwards and the hopeful prayer. You will also see the focused heart and mind.
With this painting I want to bring joy, happiness, blessing, stars and brightness upon you, and reminding you our living experience comes through our human body and the senses including sighting, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling and thinking. The key to overcome the challenges and to an abundant life is to keep our heart and mind on check.Â
I am immensely delighted to be able to communicate with you with my brush strokes and express my thoughts, emotions and feelings through my art. I sincerely hope it brings it joy as much as it brought to me.
‘Messages in the Light’, ‘Heart Mantra’ and ‘ Kaleidoscope Vision’ will be touring to Forest Hill Library for Sydenham Artists Trail exhibition on 20th & 21st of September 2025 with my Mindfulness of Calligraphy Art Talk & Workshop.
To learn more about my art, classes & upcoming exhibition, please visit my artist Instagram @Artcarryhornby or join mailing service to Artcarry@hornby.org.uk Â
