In 2005, having realized his childhood Maltese dream of holding two artistic exhibitions in Paris, Michel D’Anastasio decided to direct his creative energy toward Hebraic Calligraphic Art.

Michel had long admired the squarish Hebrew letter. His journey to Hebraic Calligarphy also pays direct homage to Michel’s familial roots, Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 who found refuge and home for generations on Gozo, in the Maltese Archipelago.

Michel’s interest in Hebraic Calligraphy was re-triggered by an inspiring trip to Israel in 2004. During Michel’s trip, Michel found that his appreciation of Hebrew calligraphy grew and this initial admiration provided inspiration, leading to a journey of artistic renewal and enlightenment.

On his return to Paris and inspired by the trip, Michel began to learn and experiment with Hebrew Calligraphic works. He discovered in the Hebrew letters qualities of both vitality and liberation.

By constant study and attention to the calligraphy, Michel first mastered the contours of the Hebrew alphabet and then experimented with modernizing it. This diligent study and awareness bought about an artistic expression that released a new oeuvre of artistic work; a universe created by a fresh palate of forms and signs. Michel has since produced works which he feels artistically far surpass his past work with the Latin alphabet.

Today, Michel D’Anastasio continues to work from Paris, immersing himself in the fascinating culture and history and traditions of the Hebrew alphabet. His work brings light and meaning to the shapes and forms created by his handiwork.

“Michel D’Anastasio is an artist like no other and his use of calligraphic form to express spirituality and nostalgic emotion is impressive and touching. His color palette is rich and diverse with pristine clarity with forms which come straight from the soul. An enlightening tour through his photo-stream is an absolute MUST!”

Marco Brown-Maltese

I have been following Michel’s work for a long time on Flickr. His relationship with inks and colors is so intense and lyrical that every stroke is like a poem. Michel has recently accepted my invitation to prepare a logo study for the Green Tea Gallery. Today he has finally sent me a large pdf presentation with the beautiful results of his study. I was so happy when I started browsing through the pages of the document and I wanted to immediately share this study with all of you… If you like Michel’s work, don’t forget to visit his beautiful website at www.script-sign.com!