In a recent interview, 21-year-old Fanya from Kazakhstan shared her insights into the captivating world of Chinese calligraphy. “The flowing lines and the varying shades of ink in calligraphy possess a unique beauty that allows me to feel the essence of Chinese characters and deeply appreciate the charm of Chinese culture,” she explained.
Currently studying Computer Science at Xi’an University of Technology, Fanya dedicates her time to honing her calligraphy skills at the university’s art academy. The reporter observed her meticulously crafting phrases like “The greatest joy in life is found in quiet simplicity.”
Reflecting on her journey, Fanya recounted her first introduction to calligraphy through a class at her school. “When the teacher showcased a calligraphy piece, I was immediately drawn to the balance and elegance of the strokes, prompting me to dive into learning this art form,” she recalled. “Through practice, I quickly became familiar with many Chinese characters and improved my language skills.”
In less than a year, Fanya has transformed from struggling with uneven strokes and inconsistent ink shades to producing strong, well-formed characters. “At first, my wrist would ache, making it hard to persist. Now, I’ve learned to harness the right techniques, and even after long sessions, I lose track of time. Calligraphy feels much like meditation; it allows me to immerse myself fully in the rich tapestry of Chinese history and culture,” she shared.
Her introverted personality seems to harmonize perfectly with the tranquility that calligraphy demands. “I believe I have a natural affinity for this art,” she noted.
Despite only beginning her calligraphy practice recently, Fanya has shown remarkable progress, thanks to her innate talent and dedication. “Though Fanya has been practicing for less than a year, her understanding and diligence in practice have led to her rapid improvement,” commented Luo Hongwei, her instructor at the art academy, while offering guidance on her brush technique.
Fanya understands the importance of using quality materials, stating, “A soft, smooth sheet of paper is essential for good calligraphy.” She even visited the North Zhang Village to learn about the intricate processes involved in making Xuan paper, a key medium for calligraphy.
From soaking and cooking to handcrafting and drying, every step of paper-making tests the artisan’s detail and patience. Fanya expressed her newfound appreciation for the craft. “By making paper myself, I’ve come to value its significance. I’ll cherish each writing opportunity more and embrace the touch of the brush on the paper, paying respect to this cultural treasure,” she concluded.
“I see calligraphy as the key to unlocking an understanding of Chinese culture. It’s become one of my greatest joys during my studies here in Xi’an. In the future, I wish to explore more script styles and delve deeper into the profound world of calligraphy,” Fanya expressed with enthusiasm.
