Calligraphy Hand Carved in Stone | Greg Hanlon

Hanlon’s exhibition invites you to slow your mind and be drawn into the beauty of stone.

WHEN | 10 APRIL TO 5 MAY

WHERE | LONG GALLERY

Greg Hanlon's artistic journey commences with road trips to distant stone quarries, where the ever-changing array of local and imported stones awaits exploration. With no expectations, each visit promises new discoveries. Back home, after washing the stones clean, Greg places them strategically in his living and working spaces. As he passes by these stones daily, inspiration strikes, leading to handwritten designs that are meticulously carved into the stones using hammer and chisel. This process, though time-consuming, ensures unparalleled detail and control over the final handcrafted letterforms.

Hanlon's lettering pushes beyond instant legibility, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the stone's beauty as they decipher the message. Over time, the intricacies of the lettering emerge, enhancing the experience for the viewer.

Raised in rural Australia, Hanlon's journey into calligraphy began while working for Freemasonry in Melbourne. Joining the Calligraphy Society of Victoria in 1995, he refined his craft under esteemed tutors, enriching his skills further. Seeking to expand his calligraphic foundation, he pursued studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and engaged in workshops worldwide. In 2010, inspired by a workshop with stone carver Kristoffel Boudens, Hanlon embarked on exploring stone as a medium for calligraphy. Despite challenges sourcing tools and enduring physical demands, he persisted, shaping his studio into a space that reflects his evolution from calligraphy to stone carving.