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“Gesture” is an important element in the practice of Running Script (行书). This refers to the way that the calligrapher’s body moves as they create the characters on the page. The gestures involved in the practice convey intent, energy, and a personal connection with the art itself. The body language of the calligrapher is a vital element of the artistic process. The gesture of the calligrapher is not just about physical movement but also about the intentional direction of energy through the body. The physical motions of the calligrapher are an expression of their inner state of being. The movements should flow naturally from the mind into the body. The use of gesture allows the calligrapher to make broader strokes and to connect elements that can’t be achieved by simple wrist movement. It provides a way to create the flowing, elegant lines that are a hallmark of Running Script. The use of gesture helps to provide a sense of grace and rhythm to the calligraphy. The gestures in Running Script should be fluid and responsive, mirroring the calligrapher’s state of mind and the flow of their thoughts and emotions, giving life and vitality to the characters being written. The art form reflects the state of mind of the artist and the underlying emotions they are attempting to express. The act of creation becomes a personal expression of the inner self. Ultimately, the mastery of gesture is an important step in the development of a true Running Script artist, allowing the calligrapher to fully express themselves through the fluid and dynamic movements of their body. The physical movements of the calligrapher should come to match the intention of their inner heart. The mastery of gesture elevates the art beyond the technical and into the realm of the personal and expressive. |
Tag : Calligraphy Gesture, Running Script Technique, Brush Movement, Chinese Calligraphy, Body Language
"A Letter to my Nephew," or Ji Zhi Wen Gao, by Yan Zhenqing (颜真卿), is a unique piece of calligraphy in that it was not intended to be an artistic masterpiece. Rather, it is a draft of a letter expressing his grief and sorrow at the loss of his nephew. However, this raw and unfiltered expression of emotion is what makes the work so powerful and enduring. Written in a mix of Running Script (xingshu) and Cursive Script (caoshu), Ji Zhi Wen Gao reveals the artist's inner turmoil and his capacity for emotional expression. It is a unique, personal, and emotional piece.
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