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Art School < Thematic Calligraphy Workshops
Thematic Chinese Calligraphy Workshops
About Chinese Calligraphy — Mind Painting
Calligraphy has always enjoyed an important position in Chinese Art. Historically, many philosophers and scholars loved it, not only as an art, but also as a mental discipline since progressing in this art demands both concentration and perseverance. Records of the past and of personal experiences of various calligraphers have asserted that if calligraphy was practiced for a long time, it would dispel boredom, dismiss worries and relieve emotional stress. Ou-Yang Sau (1007-1072), one of the Eight Great Scholars of the Tang and Sung dynasties, was a leading official at the imperial court who had extremely complex duties. Yet, in his leisure time, he often practiced calligraphy. In one of his essays, he explained why he never abandoned it. “In my childhood, I had many hobbies, but upon reaching middle age I gave them up, either because they no longer interested me, or because I am physically unable to engage in them. The only one that remains, and in which my interest grows with the passage of time, is calligraphy… I therefore realize why so many scholars in the olden days have paid so much attention to it.”From an artistic point of view, the practice of calligraphy is the beginning of cultivation of the Chinese arts. It enables a learner to acquire a sharp perception of all things in the universe, from simple lines to complex forms and movements. As an art, it can develop on two levels: the formal and the ideational (idea-image). Before entering into the ideational level to undertake lively calligraphic creations from inspirations, sparked by experience, a beginner should first tread upon the footpath to the formal one so as to gain competence in the brush manipulation of every stroke, the construction of each character and the composition of the whole piece of calligraphy. (From Chinese Calligraphy, Abstract Art, Mind-Painting by Ngan Siu-Mui)
Subjects
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According to the chronological order of evolutionary changes in the five calligraphy scripts, the workshops are classified in five different subjects: Seal, Clerical, Cursive, Running and Regular styles. The student will learn to use the subtle energy of the body to master the Chinese soft brush thus achiving magnificent strokes. Calligraphy and painting are based on the same principles so that movements learned in one art are a benefit for the other. Accordingly, Chinese monochrome painting of the four gentlemen (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo) will be introduced in the workshops from time to time.
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Each workshop presents a unique subject based on master pieces in Chinese calligraphy history. As such, they can be attended by anyone with or without experience in Chinese calligraphy.
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The workshops are scheduled sporadically during the year for the convenience of participants, allowing them to explore the mysterious and exotic qualities of one of the most important Chinese art.
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Workshops can be attended by anyone with or without experience in Chinese calligraphy.
When, Where, Fees, More Info, Contacts
- — When: on Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm, including a one hour lunch time.
- September 27
- Seal Script
- The round stroke: central tip
- The three sections method: hidden, central and return tips
- Delay and powerful strokes
- Drawing bamboo in relation to central tip and energy control
- October 25
- Clerical Script
- The angular stroke: slanted tip
- Strokes in a wavy form: "silkworm head" and "wild goose tail"
- Drawing Bamboo in relation to slanted tip and energy control
- November 8
- Regular Script
- Merging the round and angular strokes
- The eight components of the character "Eternity"
- Merging central and slanted tips to create desired strokes
- Drawing Orchid in relation to central tip and energy control
- November 22
- Running Script
- Merging the round and angular strokes
- Linking strokes with subtle energy
- Speeding and delaying the brush flow
- Drawing Chrysanthemum in relation to central tip, slanted tip and energy control
- DEcember 6
- Cursive Script
- Merging the round and angular strokes
- Linking strokes in a wild, frantic and liberal manner
- Variation in brush flow
- Curves in style
- Drawing Plum Flower in relation to to central tip, slanted tip, linking strokes and energy control
- — Where
- Ngan Siu-Mui's studio in Dorval
- — Fees
- $68 (+ taxes: $77.50) for each workshop, materiel and tools provided
- Cheque payable to Ngan Siu-Mui, 224 Stream Ave, Dorval, PQ, H9S 2P1
- A reimbursement will be considered only if cancellation is received seven days before the date of the workshop
- — More info
- Calligraphy material available from the teacher
- The number of students is strictly limited to 10
- Workshops could be canceled if there is not enough participants
- — Contact
- Ngan Siu-Mui, 514-633-1155, nsiumui@ngansiumui.com
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