A while ago, a friend of mine gave me the May overseas edition of Sinorama, in which one article, "Taking a Stroll-Inside Calligraphy," provided me with the impetus to share some of my overseas experience.
More than a year ago, an opportunity presented itself to teach calligraphy once a week to Swiss students. My students were all fairly typical Swiss, and I was by no means an expert on the subject; however, and with no small amount of apprehension, I accepted the work based on my love of the art coupled with my little bit of study and experience.
Well aware of the limitations of my own calligraphy, I sought self-improvement even as I taught, and spent a considerable amount of time in preparation. I devised a calligraphy course that especially catered to students unfamiliar with both spoken and written Chinese. Furthermore, I successively organized ten one-day seminars on "Introducing Chinese Calligraphy," which provided opportunities for the students to write. These classes stimulated many local residents' appreciation and respect for Chinese calligraphy.
What was especially moving was their admiration of Chinese culture and the earnestness with which they approached the study of calligraphy. They cherished the serene state of mind and subdued atmosphere that practicing calligraphy provided, and the way it opened up a peaceful spot for them amidst the frenetic pace of life. Wandering in this tranquil sea, they were able to enjoy a sense of selfless ease. For my part, throughout the teaching process I had the pleasure of interacting with learners of a different cultural background, which allowed me to experience moments of sudden insight and a spiritual bond with my students. Truly, to teach is to learn, and art knows recognizes no national borders.
The quality and suitability of calligraphy paper and other calligraphic materials were less than ideal due to the lack of availability (all materials must be imported). Yet, although these setbacks made it impossible to completely realize all of our intentions, the Swiss demonstrated a degree of ingenuity that was astonishing. For instance, around Chinese New Year newspapers covered Chinese New Year's customs. One of my students cut out a picture of a woman praying with a stick of incense in her hands. The student then made New Year's cards that featured the picture along with the characters for "Happy New Year" written in calligraphy, and, much to everyone's delight, distributed the cards to the entire class.
The process of exposure, recognition, experience, understanding, and finally loving appreciation are common to both East and West. Only when one has achieved understanding of one's own culture can one cherish and be proud of it. And so, because I have come to better understand my heritage, I can now feel self-confident and respected, and be at ease. I hope that my experiences in a different culture will encourage us all to love and preserve our deep-rooted heritage.
