Letterspace #73: Karina Meister

What to expect

Karina Meister shares her journey through calligraphy, lettering and experimental typography at Letterspace.

The lecture focuses on classical calligraphy, but her approach is anything but traditional.

Nóra Békés, the newest Letterspace member, interviews Karina about her influences, creative process and artistic journey.

Karina Meister was born in Salzburg in 1945 and lives and works in Amsterdam-Oost, where she has lived since 1991.

She came to the Netherlands in 1973 to study at the Royal academy of arts & design at ’s Hertogenbosch.

Her free style, unusual at the time, aligns with contemporary freestyle lettering and experimental typography.

• Worked as a lettering and visual artist.
• Took commissions and made independent work.
• Explored Arabic and Hebrew scripts.
• Also worked in other visual arts fields.
• Taught at art academies and led workshops worldwide.
• Helped found the journal ‘Scriptores’.
• Served on its editing committee.
• Designed two public art projects.
• Takes part in local art activities regularly.
• Published ‘Kalligrafie, een persoonlijke visie’ in 1989.
• Gained recognition outside calligraphy after the book.
• That recognition has faded today.
• A regular visitor recommended her.
• She has joined several Letterspace evenings.
• Takes stock after more than half a century.
• The lecture covers her work and professional evolution.
• Organizer says entrance is free; donation appreciated.