LYNNWOOD — Practicing Chinese calligraphy is more than a pastime for Frederic Wong — it is a connection to his culture, his family and an expression of his spirit.
“It’s a Chinese belief that when you look at the writing, you can see into the mind of the person,” Wong said. “It’s an imprint of your feelings.”
Wong, cultural arts supervisor for the city of Lynnwood, has studied and practiced calligraphy for 40 years.
In an effort to share his passion, he spent a decade compiling his book, “Brush Ink Mind: The Practice of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting,” which he self-published last month.
“I looked at the available books about how to learn Chinese calligraphy and found that the examples used weren’t the best,” Wong said.
He researched and assembled examples from the most renowned masters, adding his own observations and instructions.
“It inspires and helps people to learn better when they’re looking at something beautiful,” he said.
A former educator at the Seattle Art Museum, Wong began studying calligraphy when he was a 5-year-old growing up in Hong Kong. It was customary for students to study calligraphy, but the practice held special meaning for Wong. His grandfather was a prominent artist and calligrapher who passed away before Wong was born. The tradition was passed to Wong’s father, who then taught him.
“I always enjoyed it,” Wong said. “I would come home (from school) and practice an hour or sometimes two hours a day.”
Calligraphers typically develop their own style. Wong’s technique is an homage to Sushi, a famous calligrapher from the 11th century Song Dynasty, whose style is free-spirited and flowing.
“It’s flamboyant, almost kind of tipsy. In a way, I suppose I chose it because my personality isn’t actually like that, but I want to be,” Wong said with a laugh.
Wong envisions his book as not just an instruction manual, but an encouragement for artists to develop their own voices. It is more about the journey than the end result.
“Calligraphy is a meditative practice. It’s not important whether you produce something to frame and hang on the wall,” Wong said. “When you are really at one with the calligraphy, you become part of it.”
He looks forward to having more time to practice calligraphy now that his book is finished.
Sitting in his basement studio, surrounded by art books inherited from his grandfather and father, Wong will put pen to paper and encourage the past, present and future to flow together.
To buy
Frederic Wong’s “Brush Ink Mind: The Practice of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting” is available for $13 via the University Book Store’s Espresso Book Machine and online at www.bookstore.washington.edu.
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