Artist frames tradition with his own style

Committed calligrapher uses rubbings of ancient stone and bone inscriptions to inspire his own techniques today

Yan Gongda is one of the most influential calligraphers of his generation, and persists in his art, even as many other artists turn to less traditional forms.

"He feels responsible for enhancing and developing Chinese traditional culture. By virtue of calligraphy, he engages in 'art for life'", said Shi Yanping, a calligraphy critic.