With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, this collaboration between NTUC and People's Association to provide free and customised calligraphy drawings of wordings for posterity has certainly brought lots of festive cheers.
These Chinese calligraphy teachers were all hands on deck as they get down to provide the customised wordings to the enthusiastic crowd.
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| Nice shirt to complement with ink brush strokes |
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According to Wikipedia:-
"Chinese calligraphy is the writing of Chinese characters as an art form, combining purely visual art and interpretation of the literary meaning. This type of expression has been widely practiced in China and has been generally held in high esteem across East Asia.
Calligraphy is considered one of the four most-sought skills and hobbies of ancient Chinese literati, along with playing stringed musical instruments, the board game "Go", and painting.
There are some general standardizations of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related: they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques, and have a long history of shared artistry. Distinguishing features of Chinese painting and calligraphy include an emphasis on motion charged with dynamic life.
According to Stanley-Baker, "Calligraphy is sheer life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients." Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones."
Calligraphy is considered one of the four most-sought skills and hobbies of ancient Chinese literati, along with playing stringed musical instruments, the board game "Go", and painting.
There are some general standardizations of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related: they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques, and have a long history of shared artistry. Distinguishing features of Chinese painting and calligraphy include an emphasis on motion charged with dynamic life.
According to Stanley-Baker, "Calligraphy is sheer life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients." Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones."
Here are some of the benefits of learning Chinese calligraphy (derived using Chat GPT):
1. Cultural Appreciation
Deepens Understanding of Chinese Culture: Chinese calligraphy is deeply rooted in Chinese history, philosophy, and aesthetics. Learning it helps you understand the cultural significance of characters, the evolution of writing, and the artistic traditions that have shaped China for millennia.
Connection to Classical Arts: Chinese calligraphy is often seen as one of the highest forms of art in China, intertwined with poetry, philosophy, and painting. Mastering it gives you access to a rich cultural heritage.
2. Mindfulness and Focus
Promotes Mental Clarity: The practice of Chinese calligraphy requires intense concentration and mindfulness, which can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.
Enhances Patience and Discipline: Achieving proficiency in calligraphy takes time, practice, and perseverance. This process cultivates patience, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment.
3. Improved Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills
Refines Hand-Eye Coordination: The careful and precise movements required for Chinese calligraphy improve hand-eye coordination, which can also enhance your overall handwriting and other fine motor skills.
Better Control of Writing Tools: Calligraphy teaches control over brushes, ink, and paper, fostering dexterity and fine muscle control.
4. Creativity and Expression
Artistic Expression: Calligraphy is not just about writing—it’s also a form of artistic expression. The strokes, fluidity, and the use of space allow for personal creativity to shine through.
Develops Aesthetic Sensibility: Learning the aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy, such as balance, harmony, and rhythm, improves your overall appreciation for beauty and design.
5. Enhanced Cognitive Skills
Memory and Learning: Writing characters repeatedly helps reinforce memory, and studying the history and structure of characters can improve cognitive abilities like pattern recognition and critical thinking.
Language Skills: As you practice writing Chinese characters, you also learn about the meaning, pronunciation, and structure of the language, which can deepen your understanding of Chinese and enhance language learning.
6. Connection to History
Bridges Past and Present: By studying Chinese calligraphy, you connect with centuries of historical figures, texts, and literary works. This can lead to a better understanding of the evolution of Chinese language and society.
Appreciation of Traditional Techniques: Learning calligraphy often involves studying ancient scripts and historical masters, helping preserve traditional art forms.
7. Therapeutic Benefits
Stress Relief: The repetitive nature of calligraphy can act like a form of meditation, providing relaxation and relief from anxiety.
Physical Relaxation: The gentle, flowing movements associated with calligraphy also promote relaxation of the hands and shoulders.
8. Social and Educational Opportunities
Cultural Exchange: Learning Chinese calligraphy provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, especially if you engage with communities or organizations that practice this art form.
Career and Educational Benefits: For students and professionals, learning calligraphy could be an asset, especially in fields related to East Asian studies, art history, or even in modern creative industries like design.
Click here for Chinese Calligraphy classes organised by People' Association.
Click here for Sha Menghai: The Master Of The Art Of Chinese Calligraphy | Century Masters
Click here for Introduction to Chinese calligraphy (Part 1) | Four Arts of Life | Tea with Erping
