Trifles about Calligraphy Art Education and the Cultivation of College Students' Humanistic Quality (Part II)

by xyxgyp1998 on 2012-02-14 22:38:10

III. Reflections on the Improvement of Calligraphy Education

Calligraphy [bulk calligraphy], first and foremost, is a cultural practice before it becomes an art form. The art and culture of Chinese calligraphy represent the national image, spirit, and character of China. It is the essence of Chinese culture and the quintessence of the Eastern artistic and cultural system. As descendants of Yan and Huang, and as contemporary university students, calligraphy should be regarded as essential knowledge to learn and master after scientific knowledge. Chinese calligraphy is a treasure in the vast repository of traditional Chinese culture. It is both an art form and has profound cultural connotations. The cultivation of calligraphy is also the cultivation of oneself. Through tireless effort, one can elevate their personal qualities by practicing calligraphy techniques and the humanistic spirit behind them. Moreover, during the arduous and persistent practice process, one can cultivate their emotions, gain insights into the principles of the universe, nature, and life. In this way, one's vision broadens, their mind expands, their heart becomes clear, and they understand how to "be a person" and how to "do things".

From the "Calligraphy Newspaper", we learned that at the recently held "International Symposium on the Construction and Development of Higher Calligraphy Education" in Beijing, discussions were focused on current hot topics in higher education for calligraphy. Consensus was reached regarding issues such as subject positioning, curriculum design, and teacher training. This will undoubtedly play a positive role in promoting calligraphy education at universities across the country. The needs of social development and the overall improvement of national quality determine that the comprehensive development of contemporary university students should be the basic starting point. Education is the foundation of personal growth. I believe that all ordinary college students (including non-calligraphy majors from art colleges) should have the right and obligation to receive further education in calligraphy art. There are three main aspects: 1) Traditional calligraphy education and aesthetic education; 2) Calligraphy ability education; 3) Calligraphy habituation education.

1. Traditional Calligraphy Education and Aesthetic Education

Human-centered, education-focused, emphasizing the inheritance of traditional calligraphy, and dedicated to truly popularizing calligraphy art. Attempting to bring calligraphy back to its original starting point while preserving its inherent artistic function. The "original starting point" of calligraphy is aesthetic education, which aims to enhance the aesthetic awareness of creators and recipients. Through practicing calligraphy, one can cultivate aesthetic sentiments, refine virtues, foster aesthetic concepts, improve appreciation skills, experience the imagery beauty of calligraphy, the rhythmic beauty of brush techniques, the formal beauty of composition, and the spiritual beauty and moral beauty of the calligrapher. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the overall quality of university students through teaching.

2. Calligraphy Ability Education

Calligraphy ability education includes "learning steps education," "brushwork meaning education," and "external skill education."

(1) "Learning steps education" refers to learning calligraphy step-by-step, starting with holding the brush correctly and then focusing on the use of brush strokes.

(2) "Brushwork meaning education" involves understanding the structure and layout of characters after mastering the basics of holding and using the brush. "Structure" education teaches the arrangement of strokes within a character, while "layout" education focuses on the arrangement and coordination between characters and lines in a work.

(3) "External skill education" emphasizes the importance of learning literature, philology, music, painting, history, philosophy, psychology, and logic beyond just technical brush skills. As ancient scholars said, "Words reflect inner feelings; calligraphy reflects the heart's drawing." "Talent evaluation prioritizes literary over artistic skills." "To study calligraphy requires a sense of morality and philosophical learning, making it valuable. If one lacks these internal qualities, even if their brushwork rivals Yuan Chang or Yi Shao, they would merely be a vulgar person. I often say that gentlemen can do many things, but they must avoid being vulgar, as vulgarity cannot be cured." Thus, external skills are crucial. Simultaneously, cultivating students' "observation," "imitation," "insight," "expression," and "creativity" truly achieves the purpose of calligraphy ability education.

3. Calligraphy Habituation Education

The most fundamental content of calligraphy habituation education includes "correct writing posture," "proper pen-holding methods," and "standardized writing text." Maintaining correct writing posture benefits physical and mental health, ensuring progress in calligraphy without neglecting health. Poor posture leading to hunchbacks or nearsightedness clearly damages physical aesthetics. Proper pen-holding methods help rapidly improve writing skills and provide joy in writing, shaping a beautiful soul. Standardized writing in calligraphy habituation education is particularly important. As an art form, calligraphy is primarily a cultural expression. The saying goes, "Without rules, there can be no squares or circles." Chinese characters, as symbols recording language, have strong social attributes and serve as tools for transmitting civilization and information. If used improperly, they cannot fully function as communication tools. Writing clearly, correctly, and standardly has been the minimum requirement in calligraphy teaching since ancient times. Strengthening the standardization and normalization of Chinese character usage not only reflects the cultural level and spirit of the Chinese nation but also significantly impacts the development of the country's culture, science, and education. It promotes ethnic unity, national unification, social stability, economic prosperity, international exchanges, and enhances China's influence globally. Even in calligraphy teaching, starting with Tang dynasty regular script is common because of its standardized forms, precise brush techniques, and strict structures, making it easier for students to learn and apply. This lays a solid foundation for future studies in other scripts and fosters good habits like "knowing how to write, writing well, and enjoying writing."

As Comrade Li Ruihuan pointed out in his congratulatory letter to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Calligraphy Education Professional Committee of the Chinese Educational Society in 1998: "Writing standard Chinese characters well, promoting quality education, is a noble cause benefiting future generations. Emphasize quality, popularization, team building, research, and persistence." One should "write neatly and act honorably."

In summary, strengthening calligraphy art education improves the humanistic qualities of contemporary university students, equipping them with professional knowledge and skills, good moral qualities, and certain artistic and aesthetic literacy along with creative abilities. Transforming matter into spirit and spirit into matter makes them fully developed individuals beneficial to society and the country's construction and development.

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