“A man who works with his hands is a labourer. A man who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. A man who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.”

— St. Francis of Assisi

MEET JAKE

As the world grows increasingly digital, storied art forms like penmanship are quickly dying out. Old masters pass away, leaving behind a gaping void. Enter Jake Weidmann, the youngest “Master Penman” in the world by three generations. Weidmann’s work shows an attention to minute detail that only comes through years and years of practice. His finished pieces — which fuse calligraphy and fine art — remind us that handwriting can be beautiful.

JAKE’S STORY

I never thought I’d be a professional artist. I actually pursued my degree in psychology. When I thought I would enjoy working with children using art therapy, I knew I’d need an art minor. But when I applied, the art director at my alma mater made it halfway through my portfolio, slid it back to me across the desk and said, “You’re just wrong for our program.” I had loved art all my life and had been recognized for my artistic skills through my growing up years. But maybe I heard God wrong? Maybe I was never meant to pursue art in any sort of profession.

Turns out, that rejection was my protection.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jake Weidmann is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penman in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. A few of Jake's peers (other Masters) have done work for the White House, Queen Elizabeth and even the Pope. His journey into calligraphy has been the "special sauce" for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University and has spoken from countless stages including Tedx and Q and was featured on PBS Television.

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