By Donna Bulseco
Calligraphy is an ancient visual art that elicits an “ahhhh” response with its hand-done lettering and graceful fonts. That emotional connection, says New York-based calligrapher and fine stationer Bernard Maisner, can be traced in part to the “beauty and balance” one feels looking at any art. “Beautiful artwork is a spiritual experience, one that’s meditative and healing,” he says. “The word ‘calligraphy’ itself means ‘beautiful writing.’” Acknowledged as a master (people line up at Bergdorf Goodman during the holidays for his on-the-spot ‘performance art’ cards to give as gifts), Maisner’s elegant craft has found a new imprint: luxe leather accessories done in partnership with OM Designs, a line co-founded by Olympia Kyriakides and Michael Thomson.
Embossed on fine Italian leather, a butterfly takes flight and a sinewy snake curves its sleek shape on structured bags. Wallets are also adorned—there’s one with an ornate spider based on a photo Maisner took of one on the Jersey Shore. The effect? “Beautiful and edgy, at the same time,” says Maisner. Precious, too, yet satisfyingly practical: carrying one brings the power of his pen into one’s daily routine. bernardmaisner.com; om-nyc.com