Jean Formo, Calligrapher and Artist

Biographical Information

A calligrapher and lettering artist since 1976, Jean is recognized for experimental alphabet design and innovative one-of-a-kind artist books. She has traveled throughout the US and Canada, lecturing and teaching a variety of calligraphy and book arts workshops, and frequently is an instructor at international calligraphy conferences. Jean's work appears in regional and national exhibitions and is published in lettering arts books and calendars. Her commercial lettering is created in her home studio in Savage, Minnesota where she lives with her husband, Phil. They are the parents of two grown daughters.

Art always has a spiritual component, whether embodied in the graceful steps of the dancer, the touch of the sculptor's hand, or the word pictures of the poet. The best art moves us into that part of life that sustains our connection with God. We are drawn to a certain piece of music, a poem, a sculpture, or a painting, because it takes us to a higher place. In calligraphic art, letters create a visual language made of color, quality of line and texture; all blending to voice the meaning of a text.

Samples of her work: