The Chinese view their calligraphy, which they call "Shu Fa," as a form of art. The Chinese have practiced calligraphy for 4000 years, and they continue to do so today. Since Shu Fa is an art and not simply a system of writing, you can produce works of Chinese calligraphy even if you lack formal knowledge of the Chinese language. If you're looking to begin the study of Chinese calligraphy, you can get a head start by appreciating how lines work in creating the characters, reading books about Chinese calligraphy, making use of technology and joining a calligraphy club.
Appreciate Lines
To understand why Chinese calligraphy is an art rather than merely a system of writing, you must appreciate the lines that make up characters in Chinese calligraphy by looking at how calligraphers construct and balance their lines. Chinese calligraphers intend for all their lines to possess a quality of sturdiness. They also try to draw attention to the contrast between the black ink of the characters and the white paper on which they are written.
Read Calligraphy Books
One thing that works in the favor of the beginning Chinese calligrapher is the large number of English language books available on the subject. One excellent introductory work is Kwa Do-Wei's "Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its History, Aesthetics, and Techniques," which traces the history of Chinese calligraphy from its ancient origins to the present and gives advice to beginning calligraphers. Another is Rebecca Yue's "Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy: A Structured Course in Creating Beautiful Brush Lettering," which takes the form of a textbook, offering a complete crash course in Chinese calligraphy from the bottom up.
Use Technology
An advantage that today's beginner calligraphers have over their predecessors of the past 4000 years is the advent of tablet computers. These devices allow users to write and draw with the same ease and familiarity that a pen or brush offers minus the cost of purchasing thousands of sheets of expensive calligraphy paper and the hassle of cleaning up messy ink spots. Apple iPads and other tablets even offer calligraphy applications that make practicing Chinese characters on your machine even easier.
Join a Calligraphy Club
Even though the huge amount of books and internet resources available make it easy for you to study calligraphy without a teacher or fellow students, learning with others can prove beneficial for some learners. Many high schools, colleges and local communities have calligraphy clubs that meet the needs of calligraphers at all skill and experience levels. Whether you want to find a teacher to help you with a difficult project or just looking for other people with whom you can share your passion for calligraphy, checking out a nearby calligraphy club may be worth your while.
