An Address to the Organizers and Participants of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy by Valentin Bogdesko

Address to the Organizers and Participants of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy by Valentin Bogdesko (a calligraphy master and instructor)

The mission of the Project is to build a beautiful and healthy society.

Let me greet the participants and organizers of the project destined to solidify the cultural aspects of our society. This exhibition is a great contribution to the development of a healthy and cultivated society.

True, school education should instill not only intelligible handwriting skills into the pupils, but also those in calligraphy the way our grandparents were taught. Nobody has ever dismissed beauty with a single pen-stroke, and less workload at primary school does not mean greater success. Those who care are trying to choose specialized schools for their children. Here is something to be considered seriously…

A lot has been said about poor literacy of our children. Yet, very little has been done. I would like to extend my cordial thanks to Sokolniki MEC for their desire to change the current situation and make the literacy rate higher.

The goals set are real. To further our ends, we need to unite our knowledge and experience, to become one in order to revive a literate and cultured Russia.

I consider horizontal tables for writing to be one of the core factors ruining the health of future generations (elementary school deserves special mention). Adjustable angle deck desks that are an absolute must according to all school health manuals must be brought back on track. Still, we keep using horizontal tables, while our children keep deforming their body posture, straining their eyes, etc. They are our children, our future.

Besides, refined handwriting, if not calligraphy in the full sense of the word, lessons are a must in school schedules. Let us get back to those copybooks featuring inclined lines we used to have at elementary schools. Let us rule out ballpoint pens, which are harmful in so many ways.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Sincerely yours,

Valentin Bogdesko, an artist, calligraphy teacher, and graphic expert

Source: International Exhibition of Calligraphy