RD: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Tanja: Hi! I’m Tanja-Tiziana — an artist and professional photographer based out of Toronto.

My work is hugely influenced by the relationship between past and present in the modern city and I create using both film & digital processes to further continue exploring that relationship on a material level. This influence extends beyond my photography into other areas, like, for example, my writing. I have a keen interest in handwriting and have recently begun experimenting with calligraphy tools and fountain pens to grow my skills.

Last winter, I began experimenting in that realm. Pens, nibs, inks and paper. Around a month or two in, I was approached by a friend and local filmmaker, Ryan Couldrey, who was interested in documenting the process. The result was a short doc called, “Ink” which he released online this summer. The response was huge. A tidal wave of viewers, letters and strangers from around the world sharing their own interest in handwriting.

Web links:
www: doublecrossed.ca
Twitter & Instagram: @tanjatiziana

RD: How and when did you first discover Rhodia products?

Tanja: I was first introduced to Rhodia by my local pen and paper shop, Wonderpens. They carry several of the Rhodia pads and suggested it as the best paper for my experiments with flex nib pens (which would otherwise feather on low-grade paper for the sheer amount of ink that hits the page.) I left with a flex-nib fountain pen and my first pad of Rhodia paper and have really yet to find any notepad that can beat it for my ink-heavy writing practice and lettering.

RD: Which are your favorite Rhodia products?

Tanja: My studio has been stocked with grid pads – the No 16 & No 18 models. The smaller pad regularly appears in my weekly #flexnibfriday Instagram writing posts.

RD: Do you use them in any way that is specific to your job?

Tanja: I prefer the flexibility of the grid pad for lettering because it lacks margins, is a tighter grid than some other paper and gives me structure to guide the strokes.

RD: Does using Rhodia products in any way make your job easier?

Tanja: The quality paper of the Rhodia pads is essential to producing and practicing good calligraphy. It prevents ink from feathering and allows the nib to flow smoothly on the sheet without catching and splattering everywhere like regular paper does.

RD: Pencil, pen, or other? Favorites?

Tanja: Dip pen or flex nib fountain pen.

RD: Where do you regularly purchase Rhodia products?

Tanja: Wonderpens in Toronto – wonderpens.ca

RD: Is there any way we could improve on your favorite product?

Tanja: I would love to have a margin-free lined pad that had closer lines – much like the spacing between lines on the grided sheets (or tighter!) Or in a similar vein, something similar to this French style of ruled paper.

Many thanks to Tanja for today’s Fan Profile. If you would like to be featured in a Rhodia Drive Fan Profile, email Laurie@exaclair.com