Top calligrapher follows his dreams

Soldier-turned-artist promotes peace through traditional handwriting, Zhang Zhao reports.

With many titles and honors, Tang Zhongwen is known as a leading calligrapher in China, but 40 years ago his handwriting was the poorest among all those in his army unit.

Tang was born in 1960 in Chongqing. His parents couldn't read or write so they often had to ask their neighbors for help.

"I decided to learn how to write with a brush so I could write the addresses myself when posting parcels," Tang said.

He joined the army in December 1978 and went to the frontline as a telegraph operator when the nation's counterattack against Vietnam broke out the following February.

When the war ended, Tang began to practice calligraphy every day at his commanding officer's suggestion.

"At first I just wanted to improve my handwriting, but later I got interested in it," he said.

Tang left the army in 1984, but never stopped practicing calligraphy. He served as a cargo ship sailor for 19 years, and decided to resign from his job to be a professional calligrapher.

The decision aroused controversy among his friends and relatives. Some suggested he should stay in his job for the stable income, but he stuck to his plan.

"For a while I was in a dilemma," he said. "I did not know how my life would be if I gave up my job, but I realized that calligraphy would be nothing but a part-time hobby if I didn't quit my job."

Tang insisted on his choice, which he believed was right, saying that was the nature of a soldier.

"When I learned some basic skills, I could add my own style to each character based on my understanding. I found pleasure in it," he said.

"Chinese calligraphy is like painting, bringing out the beauty of flowing lines. Only Chinese characters can achieve the height of art. All Chinese people should be proud of this."

For some time Tang was distressed because he felt he was not making any progress, but his teacher told him it was not that he wasn't making progress, rather his standards and expectations had increased.

He said his early years in the army gave him inspiration and he believes his handwriting style features the vigor and spirit of a soldier.

"I have been to the battlefield, and I know wars lead to death, poverty and fear," he said. "I want to sing about peace with my works."

Tang now teaches some students, mostly schoolchildren. He tells them that calligraphy is not just a handwriting skill, but also one that cultivates the mind.

Contact the writer at zhangzhao@chinadaily.com.cn. Beijing Jingbei Libo Cultural and Media Co contributed to the story.

(China Daily 08/29/2015 page18)