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ABOUT
Martha Laurens - the Artist
Hi, I’m Martha Laurens, a calligrapher, illustrator, gilder, and educator. I am based in Sydney, working with clients, students, and collaborators worldwide.
My practice grows from years of studying Spencerian, manuscript arts, and design, and from a belief that writing can be both a craft and a way to feel.
I work slowly, by hand, letting form and meaning meet on the page. Some days it’s a gilded initial or a civic scroll; other days it’s guiding a student to take their first steady line. The goal is the same: honest work, made with care.
The House Table
Studio Philosophy
My studio is shaped by two ideas: movement and stillness. The hand moves; the mind settles. I
teach and work with methods that honour tradition while leaving space for feeling, from Spencerian rhythm to manuscript gilding. I care about process: clear structure, mindful repetition, and the patience to let a line become itself.
Materials are chosen thoughtfully; design is kept simple so the writing can breathe.
In teaching, my aim is to help students replace fear with curiosity.
In commissions, my aim is to write something that feels personal and quietly lasting.
Behind The Ink
Everything here is handcrafted and handwritten.
I work with broad-edge pen, pointed pen, brushes, watercolour, gouache, acrylic, all genuine gold on any surfaces I’ve tested in the studio. Layout is sketched; gilding is prepared with care; colour is mixed for tone and restraint.
For collaborations, I begin with a simple brief and a conversation. For students, I build from posture and strokes to spacing, shading, and composition.
Tools in The Beyond are ones I trust, chosen to support steady practice rather than trend.
Scripts
Spencerian, Ornamental Penmanship, Engrosser’s, Roundhand, Cursive Handwriting, Traditional Calligraphy, Gestural.
Art
Illumination, gilding, borders, painted initials, watercolour painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, etc
Format
Scrolls, certificates, letters, poetry, brand pieces, mission statement, etc
Surface
Cotton rag, handmade paper, art paper, genuine vellum/parchment, board, canvas, leather, glass, wooden, etc