The Symphony of Life
In this vast expanse of life, meeting a soul who truly understands —— I can depart without regret.
Jean-Yves Pelletier, my bosom friend, great disciple and tango partner, We have shared 25 extraordinary years of art, collaboration, adventure, and dance.
His remarkable ability to learn swiftly and his endless creativity continue to inspire me every day.
In 2001, Jean-Yves, at the age of 60, began studying this profound art under my guidance. By 2003, in a calligraphy competition at my art school,
he achieved first prize, as recognized by both the student jury and myself. From that moment, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the art,
quickly mastering the secrets of brushwork—lightness on paper, the precision of the brush point, and the three-section technique.
Despite having no prior knowledge of Chinese calligraphy or the Chinese language, he demonstrated that this art transcends age and linguistic barriers,
embodying pure abstraction. Moreover, his personal character infused his works with a distinctive quality—naïve yet righteous, dynamic yet deeply sincere.
Explore a curated selection of links at the bottom of this page to delve deeper into the Symphony of Life.
—discover profound insights, inspiring stories, and valuable resources that illuminate this harmonious.
Jean-Yves Pelletier (中文名: 柏鍾義) 1939 – 2025
Born in Montréal, Quebec, professor at college Bois-de-Boulogne in Montréal, Québec, Canada (1961 - 1999), Jean-Yves Pelletier was an extraordinary soul who lived with passion, intellect, and grace. His wide-ranging talents and profound curiosity left a lasting legacy, inspiring those who knew him and encountered his work. Whether immersed in mathematics, calligraphy, dance, music, navigation, architectural construction... he approached every pursuit with rare elegance and dedication. His life was a testament to the power of passion, driven by love for both the people around him and the projects he embraced.
Jean-Yves Pelletier was a Canadian calligrapher affiliated with the Ngan Siu-Mui School of Art in Montréal, Québec. Specializing in traditional Chinese calligraphy and cultural exchange, his work demonstrated mastery of diverse scripts and earned recognition in international exhibitions. Below is an overview of his contributions of Art Exhibitions and Cultural Initiatives:
- 2024
~ Taught calligraphy as an assistant lecturer at Montréal’s Notre Dame College alongside Ngan Siu-Mui.
~ Taught calligraphy as an assistant lecturer for the Houston Community College Art Group (Texas, USA) at Le Centre St-Pierre, Montréal.
~ Participated in a cultural exchange conference at the Taishan Youth Innovation Center (China), fostering cross-cultural dialogue. - 2018 ~ Demonstrated and exhibited calligraphy at the Taishan Museum, China - the Exhibitions of Calligraphy, Painting and Seal Carving Ngan Siu-Mui and her diciples
- 2017 ~ Demonstrated calligraphy in Centre culturel et communautaire Henri-Lemieux, LaSalle, Montréal - Chinese Arts Rhythms (Rythmes artistiques chinois)
- 2012 ~ Demonstrated and exhibited calligraphy in Henan, China - "Thousand Character Classic Calligraphers Invitation Exhibition"
- 2008 ~ Demonstrated calligraphy in Seoul, South Korea - the opening ceremony of the "Asia Invitation Art Exhibition"
- 2006 ~ Demonstrated calligraphy at Montréal Chinese Community and Cultural Centre - exhibition "La danse des caractères"
- 2005–2017 ~ Invited repeatedly by the Korea Cultural Arts Research Association to participate in the "Asian Art Exhibition"
- 2002 ~ Deputy Organizing Committee Member of "Chinese Calligraphy Month" - hosted by the Traditional Chinese Culture Society in Montreal, Quebec
Artistic Collaborations and Thematic Explorations - Jean-Yves Pelletier
Pelletier’s
works explored themes of harmony, philosophy, and cultural identity.
Under the mentorship of Ngan Siu-Mui, his practice demonstrated a dual commitment to preserving traditional techniques while pioneering modern interpretations—bridging cultural and artistic boundaries.
Artist Statementean - Jean-Yves Pelletier
Blending Multitude into Harmony
Gazing at the night sky, we are overwhelmed by the infinite forms and compositions of celestial bodies. Chinese calligraphy evokes a similar fascination —its shapes and arrangements are boundless, yet a masterpiece channels this multitude into a harmonious whole.
For many years, under the guidance of my master Ngan Siu-Mui, I have been privileged to wield a brush, dip it in ink, and strive to create beauty upon blank paper. This practice is a blessing for the soul.
Calligraphy works
Running Script
2008
Seal Script
2018
Running Script
2018
Seal Script
2010
Seal Script
2010
Cursive Script
2013
is interesting
at night under the light
Running Script
2008
Clerical Script
2015
Bronze Script
2015
study Cao Quan Stele
Clerical Script
2016
Mathematics professor at college Bois-de-Boulogne in Montréal, Québec, Canada 1961 - 1999
Jean-Yves Pelletier's publication ~ Introduction à l'algèbre linéaire ~ 1994
Art Events ~ in Montreal, Quebec; China; South Korea
Assistant Lecturer of the [Sharing and Exchange Conference] 2024
Youth Innovation Center, Taishan City, China
A bridge between Chinese and Canadian Cultures
Demonstration of Chinese Calligraphy 2018
Taishan Museum, China
Exhibition of Calligraphy, Painting and Seal Carving [Ngan Siu-Mui and her diciples]
Demonstration of Chinese Calligraphy 2017
Théâtre du Grand Sault, Lasalle, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Chinese Arts Rhythm Exhibition
Demonstration of Chinese Calligraphy 2012
Zheng Zhou City, Honan, China
Chinese Around the World Invitational Exhibition [Thousand Characters Essays]
![2012 Jean-Yves Pelletier demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, 2012 Invitational Exhibition of [Thousand Character Essays] by Chinese around the World ~ Ngan Siu Mui Art School](../events/2012_jyp-honan-calli-demo_01_450x300.jpg "2012 Jean-Yves Pelletier demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, 2012 Invitational Exhibition of [Thousand Character Essays] by Chinese around the World")
![2012 Jean-Yves Pelletier demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, 2012 Invitational Exhibition of [Thousand Character Essays] by Chinese around the World ~ Ngan Siu Mui Art School](../events/2012_jyp-honan-calli-demo_02_450x300.jpg "2012 Jean-Yves Pelletier demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, 2012 Invitational Exhibition of [Thousand Character Essays] by Chinese around the World")
Demonstration of Chinese Calligraphy 2008
Seoul, Korea
Asia Invitation Art Exhibition
Demonstration of Chinese Calligraphy 2006
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Centre Culturel et Communautaire Chinois
demonstrated this technique under the admiring eyes of MP Fatima Houda Pépin
and Mr. Caiyun Lin, from the Embassy China to Canada.
Asia Invitation Art Exhibition 2005
Seoul, Korea
Medal Award from Mr. Kang Sing-Ung, President of the Korea Culture Art Research Institute
Art Journeys
- Exhibitions of calligraphy, painting and seal carving, Ngan Siu-Mui and her diciples, Taishan Museum China 2018 ―
More information [click here] - Global Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition of the Thousand-Character Classic in Shenqiu, Henan 2012 ―
More information [click here] - Asia Invitation Art Exhibition, South Korea 2005 and 2008 ―
More information [click here]
Argentine Tango
As a calligrapher, I along with my dancing partner, Jean-Yves share a deep, visceral connection with Argentine Tango
Both Chinese calligraphy and Argentine tango captivate through the elegance of their motion.
Yet their mediums differ—one breathes life into ink and paper, the other into the body’s embrace.
In masterful calligraphy, strokes dance across the page, alive with rhythm and energy.
Similarly, tango unfolds in the tension and release of each step, a dialogue of control and passion.
Both demand precision and vitality—whether in the brush’s decisive sweep or the dancer’s poised intensity.
The Adventure of Discovery in Life ~ Studio, Pond Garden, Camping and Food
- From Garage to Studio ~ The Process of Building the Creative Space ― More information [click here]
- Construction of the Garden Pond ― More information [click here]
- Beauty of the Garden Pond ― More information [click here]
- Sailboat, Bike Ride, Tent Camping ~ Bas Saint-Laurent, Quebec (coming online soon)
- Travelers (upload soon)
- Planning Ngan Siu Mui's Solo Exhibition at the Traditional Chinese Cultural Society of Montreal, Quebec (2002)
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