THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 4, 1996 TAG: 9607020155
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KATHRYN DARLING, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 96 lines
WHILE HER CLASSMATES were trying to perfect their penmanship, Joan Wilson explored the variations of print and script by changing her handwriting every week. Her teachers complained that they could never recognize her papers.
``I've always had this desire for self-expression,'' said Wilson, a calligrapher whose hobby has become a home-based business.
It's the artistic side of calligraphy that appeals most to her.
``Calligraphy is historical handwriting,'' she said. ``Each style reflects a time period and a group of people, and today there are many variations of each of those styles.''
In times past, ``lettering had a lot to do with the climates and the lifestyles of the scribes,'' she said. ``Italians, who lived in a warmer climate, had a more fluid style. Tight styles were done by colder hands up north.''
Wilson, who lives in the Suburban Acres area of Norfolk, didn't begin to develop her hobby seriously until her daughters were in high school in the late '70s. That's when she joined two calligraphy guilds, went to conferences and national conventions, and studied under some world-class calligraphy instructors, she said.
Her business came about because people kept requesting work and asking her how much she charged.
Wilson said other calligraphers design large art pieces, but she prefers creating small pieces of poetry and prose and invitations, she said.
In fact, most of her business is invitations, to weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversary celebrations and birthday parties.
Most people think addressing an envelope seems so boring, she said. But Wilson - who said her whole life is people, her family, her grandchildren, her activities at church - loves doing invitations.
``I'm alone and it's quiet and it's relaxing,'' she said.
In recent years, computers have cut into her business, she said.
But calligraphy is an art.
``If you just want beautiful letters, a computer can do it, but if you want something with life in it that just seems to float across the page or envelope,'' a calligrapher is needed, she said.
Name: Joan Hope Wilson.
Nickname: Joanie.
What brought you to Norfolk? Civil service relocated my husband to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Birthplace: Norfolk. My father was in the Navy.
Birthdate: Sept. 1, 1944.
Marital status: Married to Wes almost 35 years. (Yes, I was a child bride.)
Children: Two daughters, Wendy and Kelly. Five grandchildren, Collin, Orie, Fallon, Chloe and Tate.
Last book read: ``The End of the Age'' by Pat Robertson. Everyone should read this book, no matter what their political persuasion or religion is.
Favorite movie: ``Cat Ballou.'' We've watched it a zillion times, and Lee Marvin still cracks us up!
Favorite magazine: I don't make time to sit down and read magazines, so I really don't have a favorite. The closest thing to it would be various world missions newsletters and updates.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? I really wouldn't want to trade places with anyone. I have problems and burdens that keep me on my knees, but I'm so very thankful for God and his goodness - family, health, friends and church.
Biggest accomplishment: Being asked to serve as dance director for the annual Easter production, ``The Man Called Jesus'' at my church, Kempsville Presbyterian Church. And being selected as a short-term missionary to take the production to Murmansk, Russia.
Most embarrassing moment: I must not embarrass easily; I can't think of one.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I need to be more sensitive to the feelings of other people.
Perfect way to spend the day: I'd begin my day by spending time with my grandchildren. Then I'd hit the thrift stores; I love the thrill of finding a fashionable bargain. Next, I'd get together and dance with Rejoice Dancers, Kempsville Presbyterian's praise and worship dance group. At the end of the day I'd go out to dinner with my best friend, Wes, and then we'd enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach.
Favorite vacation spot: Cody, Wyo., the gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
First job: Danced professionally for the Jacksonville Civic Ballet Company when I was 13, but that was more my life than a job. My first real job was teaching ballet classes at Carol Stewart's School of Dance in South Norfolk. She was my first dance teacher as a child.
Worst job: Substitute teaching at a high school.
Hobbies: I enjoy collecting angels, music, earrings from places I've vacationed in, pictures of my grandchildren and exploring costume design for my dance group.
Favorite restaurant: It depends on the budget. If we are celebrating a special occasion, it's the Ship's Cabin. Any other time, it's Elliot's in Ghent.
What do you like most about Norfolk? The art exhibits, craft shows, Broadway musicals and ballets from around the world.
What do you like least about Norfolk? Crime and poverty - but that's worldwide - not at all unique to Norfolk. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
Joan Wilson has turned calligraphy into a home-based business. by CNB