Ars Brevis, a photo from Beijing, North

Photographer's Note

Chinese Calligraphy is often a hobby of the old in China. It is commonly done with ink and paper, but there is another type. This type of calligraphy is done with a wet sponge "brush" on sidewalks or other smooth, flat surfaces. Before the masterpiece is finished, the earlier strokes have already evaporated. This elderly man is writing in a type of script called Kuangcao. The meaning is Crazy Grass. In English, it is referred to as Erratic Script because each character is written extemporaneously and each is carefully connected to the previous and following character. This form of calligraphy literally takes a lifetime to master. I took this picture on a walkway by Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace.

mitternacht, mareseye, zig, digi-mom has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mitternacht (1839) 2005-04-05 4:32

Hi Kevin, Welcome to TrekEarth.

This is the second picture of this caligraphy I see here and I really regret not taking notice of this during my two months in Beijing. It is really beautiful, both the writing in itself, and the fact that it disappears so fast. The blue tones you used here suits the subject really well, maybe the picture is a little too dark though, it's hard to see the text. I like your compo, just showing the mans feet.

Simon

olli (2091) 2005-04-05 4:37

Beautiful calligraphy and great combination of nice blue tones and effective black color. Original and bold composition/framing really makes this shot. I also like how his upper body can be seen in the shadow.
Excellent work, Kevin.

dolin (7369) 2005-04-05 4:38

Hi.
Nice and original composition.
This blue and these sign, that's relly good.
I like the framing, interesting.
Great shot
Fred

mareseye (1209) 2005-04-05 5:15

Beautiful colours and compsition ! well done.
Mare

tongapup (0) 2005-04-05 16:20

Wowowowow! Love it! So minimal and graphic. the colour is beautiful and I love your inclusion of his feet.

I wish I could write calligraphy that well. Especially Chinese script... I have a long way to go (sigh).

brianreisinger (107) 2006-06-07 17:51