Characteristics of Calligraphy
As an ancient expressive art, Chinese
calligraphy expresses the abstract beauty of lines and rhythms through the
organizational structure of lines and dots, while also reflecting a person's
emotions, moral integrity, character, educational level, accomplishments in
self-cultivation, intellectual tastes and approach to life. As an old Chinese
saying goes, "the way characters are written is a portrait of the person who
writes them."
Chinese calligraphy
has the following characters
From the viewpoint of the calligrapher:
1. Line is the basic element of Chinese calligraphy. As the movement path of
dots, lines are represented by the writing process with certain direction and no
repetition. Meanwhile, the creating process is synchronized with the results of
the process.
2. The specific rule in writing Chinese
characters provides for the sequential orders of strokes in calligraphy,
which means calligraphy is consistent in the writing process, attaching much
importance to overall harmonious beauty.
3. The handwriting and pattern of Chinese calligraphy represents the entire
connotation of the art. The process of calligraphic creation is indeed one of
bringing forth visual effects through motion.
From the viewpoint of the appreciator:
(1) Calligraphic works tend to leave an impression of "time passing," as
every word within exists in a specific sentence or article. Secondly, every
word, once written down, forms a space of certain form and style. Such spatial
continuity undoubtedly gives rise to rhythms.
(2) Compared with other kinds of artistic appreciation, the appreciation of
calligraphic works is easier to bring appreciators to the creative process, and
to experiencing the creator's inner feelings.
Author: Jessie
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