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Intimate Portrait
#NoPainNoFilterWilliam Ho (L4-13)
Which calligraphic style do you most prefer or excel in? Why? What are the distinguishing features of this style? Have you incorporated any personal elements into it?
I specialise in running script and cursive script. The elegant and varied lines of these styles possess a rhythmic quality that makes it easier to convey the musicality of poetry. Running script is more legible and tends to be appreciated by a wider audience; although those unfamiliar with cursive script may not fully understand it, the abstract and flowing lines elevate the art of calligraphy to its pinnacle. The personal elements in my work derive from daily practice of copying ancient texts, which are subtly blended and transformed over time.
How can traditional calligraphic forms be used to express contemporary popular texts, such as song lyrics or modern poetry? Do you believe that traditional calligraphy can be employed to write in other languages?
Taking song lyrics as an example, the audience may not always focus on the lyrics while listening. Calligraphy visually presents the words before the listener, allowing them to appreciate the lyrics in a different way, as if the silent text has its own voice. Chinese culture has historically influenced the entire East Asia region; since both Korean and Japanese have their roots in Chinese characters, the techniques of Chinese calligraphy can be applied to any East Asian language.
How would you select different calligraphic strokes or styles to match different content?
The brush strokes in calligraphy are influenced by the personality and emotions of the calligrapher. I prefer more refined and elegant lines. If the content of the text is somewhat obscure, I would use running script; conversely, for clearer content, I would choose cursive script. This approach allows for a more subtle lyrical expression.
How do you think one should master the fundamentals? Is practice through copying the first step?
Copying is undoubtedly the most important first step. Many people focus solely on innovation and neglect the fundamentals. Calligraphy has evolved over thousands of years, and any unusual style you might wish to explore has likely been experimented with by ancient masters, such as “flying white” or “lacquer script.” However, the styles that have stood the test of time remain those of the Two Wangs’ system. Blindly imitating contemporary works will only lead to a superficial style. Therefore, practitioners must engage in copying to develop a solid foundation in calligraphy.
What do you think are the similarities and differences between modern calligraphy and classical calligraphy?
Their difference primarily lies in the purpose of creation. In ancient times, calligraphy was mostly a tool for writing letters and making notes. As modern people no longer use brushes for everyday writing, calligraphy has gradually lost its functional aspect, while its artistic value has increased. Contemporary calligraphers pay more attention to the relationship between materials, styles, mounting, and even the display method in relation to the text. However, what remains unchanged is the cultural heritage that has been diligently passed down over thousands of years, adhering to the principles of calligraphy.
What is your view on the relationship between seal carving (inscriptions) and calligraphy?
Seal carving is one of the four arts of antiquity – namely poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal engraving. Those who study seal carving must draw inspiration from calligraphy to create seals that possess elegance and cultural depth. Conversely, a quality seal is the finishing touch that can enhance a painting or calligraphy work. They complement each other and are equally essential.
