For those that know me, I think most would agree that I am always trying or learning new things. I love to fly, write, work in the garden, cook, and most of all, be a dad and husband. I have worked as a beekeeper, restaurant critic, music director, opera singer, vocal coach, instrumental instructor, artist, and was even the President of my police academy class. Now, as a professional opera singer and vocal coach, I have had the chance to travel the world and have fallen in love with art and design, especially in Europe.  Having lived in Italy and speaking fluent Italian, you will see a hint of this throughout this site.

This desire for knowledge is really how I began creating pens. As a pen collector, I always appreciated the beauty of the fountain pen and have many in my collection from the great designers of today. When the opportunity presented itself to learn and study how they were made, and to create my own, I was hooked! I have found that applying the traditional techniques of pen making, along with my own design qualities and art, gave me a unique and functional piece that I could be proud of. My hand-painted pens are just another step to create an even more elegant piece of functional art.

It is important to me for people to understand that this is not a job or an income I rely on. I make pens because I love to do it. This relaxed enjoyment gives me more freedom to create what I and my clients will be proud to show off and hold dear. The minute I stop enjoying it will be the minute I stop making pens.

There is something so classic and amazing about writing with a handcrafted pen that one just has to experience. The smooth gliding of the gold nib with liquid ink on a high quality paper is actually enjoyable and such a great change in the day of electronic mail and text messages. I enjoy working with clients to come up with a unique design that they can call their own. I continue to learn and develope new techniques. I am a member of the Pen Makers' Guild and the International Penturners Association. Enjoy the site and I look forward to working with you!

For those interested, you can follow some of my daily designs and creations in a wide variety of artistic areas on my blog located at the bottom of the page.

Johnathan “Giovanni” Burton