Calligraphy in hard pen

Author: Xu Jun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Words are symbols that represent both sound and meaning. Within the same linguistic ecosystem, they are also standardized symbols, and the sound and meaning they denote should have a quantifiable generality. However, when people use words—whether in reading or writing—the content they contain becomes much more complex. In terms of writing, unified and universal words take on individuality or personality when they reach the hands of individuals. This written individuality has ultimately given rise to a writing art in the world. In China, because we use pictographic characters, the writing technique known as calligraphy is not only an important art category similar to painting but also an effective means for traditional scholars to express their identity. Thus, the form of words (writing) and their content (meaning) are no longer inseparable, and writing has largely acquired an independent significance. As everyone knows, the emergence of computers is further eradicating the individuality of writing. Although we can now read clearer texts more easily than before, we not only lose the joy of writing but also no longer experience the pleasure of "reading" writing with different personalities. Will calligraphy art not become a fish cut off from water, gradually drying out, without a broad foundation of writing? I never oppose modern technology, but at the same time, I want to point out that the world needs balance. As society rapidly moves toward modernization and becomes more convenient, is it not at the cost of sacrificing some of the beauty of the past? While people fully enjoy convenience, should they not still retain some beautiful memories? I believe there will always be some people who maintain the good habits of the past and, inappropriately, call out for this simple beauty in a society filled with modern tools.