Canadian calligraphy artist Lisa MacIntyre-Park, second from right / Courtesy of Lisa MacIntyre-Park
Would you like a personal letter from Santa? Or how about learning calligraphy to spice up your own writing abilities? Lisa MacIntyre-Park, a Canadian artist based in Korea, is reshaping calligraphy with her modern approach to the traditional art form. From her humble beginnings to becoming a significant figure in the calligraphy community, MacIntyre-Park’s artistic journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and dedication to creating meaningful connections through her craft.
Originally hailing from Canada, MacIntyre-Park’s journey into the world of calligraphy began with a desire for a new hobby. Armed with an honors B.A. and B.Ed. (TESL) from Brock University, her venture into art started in 2019 when she embarked on a self-study by scouring online resources. However, it wasn’t long before she sought formal instruction, ultimately finding inspiration and guidance through programs led by artists such as Shinah Chang of Crooked Calligraphy.
In 2020, MacIntyre-Park established her own calligraphy business, marking a turning point in her artistic career. Her breakthrough came in offering a unique alternative for parents during the festive season: personalized letters for children from Santa Claus. This innovative concept not only showcased her artistry but also highlighted her ability to create special connections through her work.
A sample of a letter from Santa Claus offered by Lisa MacIntyre-Park, a Canadian calligraphy artist based in Korea / Courtesy of Lisa MacIntyre-Park
Navigating the challenges of sourcing supplies in Korea, where online ordering wasn’t an option she liked to use, MacIntyre-Park diligently searched local art stores and built connections through Instagram to find the necessary tools for her craft. For the longest time, she hadn’t been able to find an oblique holder for a dip pen, so her husband made her one following a DIY YouTube tutorial. “It was the best gift and I’ve been in love with dip pen ever since,” MacIntyre-Park told The Korea Times.
Despite the limitations of her locale regarding the transferability of her calligraphy to Korean characters, she receives appreciation and admiration from those who encounter her work. As MacIntyre-Park explained, “It has been slow-going since this writing style doesn’t transfer well to Korean characters. So, my audience is mainly those who are interested in English and fancy writing.”
One of MacIntyre-Park’s significant contributions has been teaching modern English calligraphy to Koreans at a local cultural center in Jeonju’s Samcheon-dong. Her classes attract individuals interested in the artistic aspect of calligraphy, aiming to add a stylish English flair to their art or simply appreciating the beauty of fancy writing.
Her artistic influences stem from a diverse range of sources, including the works of Mabz Brisson, Becca Rafter, Shinah Chang and Lindsey Bugbee. MacIntyre-Park’s passion for calligraphy emanates from the tranquillity and joy she finds practicing calligraphic strokes daily. As she told The Korea Times, “I find it relaxing and almost meditative to practice my calligraphy strokes every day. I pull out my supplies to create as soon as I get to my desk at the office. Often, I’ll even go to work a bit early so I can spend some time on my latest project.”
With a keen eye for fostering connections, MacIntyre-Park believes her art represents a bridge between individuals. Whether through ornate calligraphy or pen-pal letters with an artistic touch, her work symbolizes the profound connections between those who appreciate the art form.
MacIntyre-Park’s journey has seen her evolve artistically, embracing new styles and techniques over time. Initially hesitant about using pointed dip pens, she discovered a deep affection for this tool once she ventured into it. Her style has evolved from simplicity to a more complex and embellished approach, incorporating elements like florals and flourishing into her pieces.
Among her favorite activities are conducting workshops to teach modern calligraphy and creating personalized letters from Santa as commissions, becoming an integral part of families’ Christmas traditions. The students at her English academy are always so thrilled when they receive a birthday card prepared especially for them in calligraphy. MacIntyre-Park makes the cards and her husband writes personal messages in them for the students.
MacIntyre-Park’s dedication to her craft extends beyond creating art; she actively engages with her community, organizing gatherings for local individuals to connect and share common interests, finding moments of relaxation and socialization amid her busy schedule.
Balancing her artistic pursuits with her responsibilities at the English academy, the cultural center and local organizations, MacIntyre-Park finds solace and fulfillment in the encompassing nature of calligraphy and she finds it very rewarding to see how people enjoy her art.
MacIntyre-Park’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through her participation in online courses and exploration of new art trends such as digital art using Procreate and Floral Line Drawing.
She hopes that through her art, others can find solace, connection and a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, emphasizing the therapeutic and grounding nature of calligraphy — a gateway to a slower, more deliberate form of expression and connection.
She will participate in an online market event run by the social media group Handmade Market Korea this Sunday.
MacIntyre-Park warmly welcomes communication, eager to share her insights and experiences in the world of calligraphy. She can be reached through various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube, where she shares tutorials and showcases her creations. She also runs the “Lovely Lettering ~ with Lisa” group chat on KakaoTalk. Visit lovelyletters-bylisa.com for more information.
Chantal Terblanche, from South Africa, lives here with her dog, Samsung. She runs the blog ClumsyinKorea.com and the Korea Events group on Facebook.