indigenousdialogues:
“A composition from the 18th or 19th century India and now in a Riyadh collection, heavily stylized Kufic lettering is formed into a shape like a Mihrab or prayer niche. The four central panels contain part of Sura Al-Qalam … Read More
Yar-e-Azizam “My good friend” Persian calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas.
Peace is more than the absence of war; peace is health and wholeness and well-being. This is my prayer for peace, as elusive as light and shadow on fabric at dusk; as tangible as your breath in the night. Stewart … Read More
The light within guides me and protects me. Original Arabic calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas.
Trust in Yourself. Original Arabic calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas.
Shalimar, written in the form of a bird. Original calligraphy design by Stewart J. Thomas
All who wander are not lost, Arabic calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas
Persian (Farsi) calligraphy by Stewart J. Thomas, selection from the poem of Jalaludin Rumi, known in English as “Oh Soul, you worry too much”
Salaam Aleikum – Peace be with you. Original calligraphy design by Stewart J. Thomas.
3 lines of poetry from Mahmoud Darwish:
between two countries never belonging in one no longer belonging in the other
Calligraphy, ink and watercolour on mulberry paper by Stewart J. Thomas.
This rondel features original calligraphy and translation into Persian (Farsi) by Stewart J. Thomas of the Buddhist prayer:
May I be free from fear. May I be free from suffering. May I be happy. May I be filled with loving … Read More
Original calligraphy design by Stewart J. Thomas: the design is made up of repeating elements of the word “mehr” meaning love in Persian (Farsi).
As we approach the celebration of No Ruz, the Iranian New Year which begins at the Vernal Equinox (usually March 21st in the Gregorian calendar), I am presenting a series of photos of the “Haft Sin” from previous years. This … Read More
A modern and loose rendition of the kufic style of Arabic calligraphy, this phrase renders “In this world, not of this world” in Persian (Farsi): “Andar donya, nah as donya.”
Calligraphic rondel by Stewart J. Thomas made up of the names Ariana and Illahi. Originally created as a tattoo design.
“Yeki bood, Yeki nabood” is the traditional beginning of Iranian stories: “Once there was, once there wasn’t … ” and so the tale begins. Persian (Farsi) calligraphy by Stewart Thomas.
Calligraphy in the shape of various animals, known as zoomorphic calligraphy, is very popular. This loosely penned design is the word “enshallah” in the shape of a bird, the meaning being “God’s will,” “God willing,” or “[it is of] God’s … Read More
Hand painted Muslim marriage certificate in Arabic. The border and interior illumination is done in watercolour, gouache, and metallic inks. The calligraphy at the top is the traditional invocation, “In the name of G-d the compassionate, the merciful.”
Arabic and English Marriage Certificate
This bilingual marriage certificate features Arabic and English calligraphy in side-by-side columns and a hand painted watercolour border inspired by Middle Eastern tile designs. Of note is the gold monogram created by intertwining the names … Read More
