About Manuscriptures and the Artist

      

Designer & Creator of the Illuminating Inspirational Calligraphy Manuscriptures

Inspired by Scripture verses hanging in the Blocher home, Jonathan began practicing calligraphy in 1965, at the age of twelve. He learned the art of illumination (the decorative embellishment of a text) by studying reproduction of medieval manuscripts, and began creating Manuscriptures while still in his early teens. He added screen printing to his repertoire of skills during his high school years. 

He continued his education at Wheaton College, majoring in Fine Arts and Biblical Studies. Soon there after, with the encouragement and help of his family, Jonathan launched into Manuscriptures full time, which has grown steadily ever since. 

With a thirst for knowledge and a drive to excel, he continues to examine original manuscripts at ever opportunity in both America and Europe, and to study with the leading authorities. What he learns appears in the new Manuscriptures he creates. 

Jonathan has received commissions from many Christian organizations, including the Billy Graham Center, Christianity Today, MAP International, The Chapel of the Air, The International Bible Society, Youth for Christ USA, Jews for Jesus, Moody Bible Institute, and the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy. 

At the request of Mrs. Billy Graham, several of Jonathan's works were used in the decor of the offices at the Billy Graham Center. The original artwork for our Psalm 16:11 Manuscripture now hangs in Dr. Graham's study at The Cove. 

Throughout the years, Jonathan has done slide-lectures on medieval decorative arts at many universities around the USA and also provided hands-on workshops on the same topics, receiving enthusiastic responses around the country.

Jonathan and his wife, Retha, who was formerly an elementary school librarian, and living in Salem, Wisconsin, with three cats, Abraham, Sarah, and Ruth, have now retired to Mission, Texas. 

While Jonathan's original works sell for $2,400 or more, we are pleased to be able to offer his signed and numbered serigraphs, handsomely framed, at modest prices so that every Christian home may have a constant witness of the inspiration, comfort, and encouragement that is found in God's Holy Word.