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Bǐyì (笔意), or "brush intent," refers to the calligrapher's personal intention and expressiveness that is conveyed through their brushstrokes in Running Script (行书). More than just technical proficiency, bǐyì captures the unique spirit and inner feelings of the calligrapher, adding a layer of personal meaning to the artwork. The intention of the calligrapher is what helps to make the art so impactful. Bǐyì is not about following rules but about expressing one's own unique vision and personality through the art of calligraphy. The goal is to allow the personality of the artist to come through in the final presentation. This will make each work of art unique. The brush strokes can reveal the calligrapher's inner emotions, from joy and serenity to passion and grief. These strokes become a vehicle for personal expression and emotional connection. The brush strokes act as an extension of the artist’s heart and mind, revealing their personal character. Developing bǐyì requires a deep understanding of brushwork and a genuine desire to express oneself with authenticity and passion, allowing the work to serve as a window into the artist’s soul. The development of bǐyì is often considered to be the final stage in an artist's training. It is the culmination of skill, training and personal vision. Ultimately, bǐyì is what elevates Running Script from a skilled technique to a truly meaningful form of artistic expression, making each piece an unique and personal statement. It helps to elevate the calligraphic practice to a truly personal art form. The intent of the artist becomes what the viewer engages with. |
Tag : Brush Intent, Calligraphy Expression, Running Script Technique, Chinese Calligraphy
This article explores the technical aspects of Running Script, focusing on brushstrokes, pressure variations, angles, the connecting stroke, and the importance of negative space in creating a balanced composition.
This article explores the concept of jiǎn (简), or “simplicity,” in Running Script, highlighting the value of stripping away unnecessary detail and focusing on the essential elements of the art form to create clarity and visual harmony.
In the annals of Chinese calligraphy, one work stands out as an emblem of artistic brilliance and spontaneous expression: the Lanting Xu, or “Preface to the Poems Collected at the Orchid Pavilion,” by the famed calligrapher Wang Xizhi. Composed around 353 AD, this piece is more than just a text; it is a window into the artistic spirit of a man considered the Sage of Calligraphy and a testament to the profound connection between art, nature, and emotion.
This concluding essay will synthesize the key themes explored throughout this series, highlighting the enduring allure of running script, xingshu, as a sophisticated and expressive art form. We will begin by reiterating the central characteristics of xingshu, highlighting its fluidity, its balance between structure and freedom, and its capacity for emotional expression. This is an opportunity to synthesize the major ideas discussed in previous essays.
This article discusses the global appeal of Running Script, highlighting how its beauty, meditative quality, and cultural significance resonate with people from diverse backgrounds, and how it serves to unite cultures through shared human experiences.