Chinese Calligraphy- Art, Handwriting, or Qi Gong Movement ?

Some people think of Chinese language as hand writing, or computer fonts they see in e-books or in news media.  They may also see  Chinese brush calligraphy  as only an art form, In the old days, the only way to write Chinese language or draw a picture, was with a calligraphy brush dipped in ink to write or draw on rice paper, or silk.  Further back in ancient times, Chinese words and calligraphy were carved on stones or bamboo tablets. It is an ancient art/language/graphic design format which evolved slowly through many years to what people see today. Of course, I still use my brushes and ink to write, draw and demonstrate this unique form, which I call "calligraphy Qi Gong". It can also be considered a moving meditation to enhance our spiritual and physical energy.

Most Chinese children begin at five to six years learning how to hold a calligraphy brush, how to make individual strokes within a perimeter of space, After that, they learn  to compose the various strokes into an ideogram that has a specific meaning.  This practice helps develop focus, dexterity and management of space. During my school days, our usual homework for calligraphy was ten pages of copy work per day. 

​I have grown to love calligraphy more than just a means to convey words but as graphic art as well as symbolic spiritual and physical energy moving meditation. 



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