Calligraphy, writing equipments, the pleasure of writing - a poem for yourself.

 Calligraphy, writing equipments, the pleasure of writing - a poem for yourself.  

I chatted a bit w a friend who is taking calligraphy classes, and another friend is giving talks. Then, I found a sample of my calligraphy that I did with a MontBlanc pen. The nib was v responsive, v nice. Many quill nibs also has this very sensitive feeling as you write along. But in fact with all writing utensils, even a piece of real quill - like a goose feather thats sliced - or a glass pen from Murano, all could be fashioned to have the response that we have individual preferences for. What is nice about calligraphy? Is it different from painting? Yes it is. Calligraphy has to do with words, it has embedded clear meaning that a painting doesnt have. Each art covers a different ground. Calligraphy is a bit like qi gong. You go with the flow. So for those who dont know what to do with the hour and want something pleasant. Calligraphy is a good thing to do. V simple. Paper and writing utensil and ink. And off you go. Pay attention to the speed, to the shape and the pressure you put onto the pen. The gesture, the flow. Because it is writing, if you are just beginning and you dont know what to write, then you could copy your favorite poem by hand - this way you dont need to think of which words to use. You just write.

Dont have a favorite poem? Just name the stuff on your desk or what you see infront of your window. Write down the list of words. Or a list of colors you see. You will soon have written yourself a beautiful poem. Master piece #1 !!!

Below: Calligraphy by Jim Chen, Happy New Year Talisman for 2021