CalligraphyPets

CalligraphyPets is a registered trademark by ECStewart. All images and names are protected by copyright by ECStewart.

Artist Statement
The calligraphic gesture series transcribes and documents the relationship of kinetic movement within time.

The work explores movements of animals, people, and objects. The gestures are purified through calligraphic line revealing only the essence of expression while maintaining spontaneity. The animals and objects become symbols and iconography that serve as a foundation for further complex study.

By editing the illustration into few lines allows the gestalt of the mass to balance with the imbued perspective of the calligraphic line. The juxtaposition of line and mass promote a harmony of movement and fixed suspension.

The Legend of Bacchus
Bacchus was the inspiration behind CalligraphyCats which has now evolved into CalligraphyPets®. We adopted Bacchus and his brother, Cheshire in May 2001 as mates for Eros, the resident king of cats. As adorable tabby cats, they revealed their wonderful personalities through play and mischief.
The A-ha! Moment: Creating Bacchus & the Ball of Yarn
During Christmas season 2001, my mother n’law sat frantically knitting a gift for an expectant mother during our ‘movie hour.’ Under low light, naturally, our beloved pussycat, Bacchus absconded with her ball of yarn. Rescuing the yarn from certain peril, I realized the wonderful feline gesture highlighted by the glow of the movie was similar to that of calligraphic lines. I went straight to my sketch pad and began feverishly illustrating the numerous gestures that cats exhibit.

Introducing CalligraphyCats
During that time, we we’re owned by three (3) cats with 3 distinctive personalities; I insisted that each be represented within this first series of line work. Throughout time, each cat exemplifies various traits, therefore, each cat is appended with various nicknames -and I’m sure you’ve got a few of your own. Given the season, the famous story “T’was the Night Before Christmas’ was influential in providing a meter for remembering the gestures of the cats.

“On Dasher, on Dancer, Prancer, & Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, & Blitzen!”

Now that you know the meter, try saying the names from CalligraphyCats Volume 1:

Pouncer, Bouncer, Chaser, and Lay; Beggeth, Purreth, and Runneth Away!

Or how about the names from CalligraphyCats Volume 2:

Strutter, Lunger, Licketh, and Play; Stretcher, Stalker, and Walketh Away!

Don’t forget CalligraphyDogs:

Fetcher, Beggar, Jumper, Await; Snoozer, Pointer, Scratcher, and Shake!

More About the Art | Brush & Ink Illustrations

This refined brush & ink series continues the tradition of capturing the form of the pets in simple calligraphic gestures that are both familiar and charming. Calligraphic gestures of animals and objects continue to grow as I find inspiration (and time). In the near future, I’ll be reintroducing flowers and seaside along with figures and nudes. As Bacchus & the Ball of Yarn remains to be the beloved showcase pet and most sought after image in our line up, we have fun designing products based on his image -even abbreviating it on jewelry and leathergoods.

SHOP CalligraphyPets

CalligraphyCats Leather & Woven Tote

Book & Print Special
I’m running a special on my Web site that includes the book (with signed pages) and your choice of a signed print that was featured within the book.

Order Today!