Chinese Calligraphy & Expressive Arts Therapy
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Chinese Calligraphy & Expressive Arts Therapy
This webinar will embark on an exploration of the captivating world of Chinese calligraphy and its intersection with expressive arts therapy. The webinar will begin by examining the concept and appreciation of Chinese calligraphy, shedding light on the unique way in which this art form communicates meaning. It will focus on the experiential aspect of Chinese calligraphy, exploring how the shapes and structures of the characters can evoke emotional resonance, even without prior knowledge of the Chinese language. It will also explore the philosophical concept of "existence and nothingness" intertwined with this art form.
Chinese Calligraphy & Expressive Arts Therapy
Integrating the East and West Perspectives
Date & Time: August 16 (Friday), 2024
15:00-16:30, Hong Kong, China/ 17:00-18:30, Sydney/ 19:00-20:30, Auckland/ 09:00-10:30, Amsterdam(CET)
**This event will be recorded. Registrants will receive the recording link via email after the live session.**
Abstract:
Description:
Chinese calligraphy is a traditional writing art with aesthetic appreciation value. The creative process allows us to observe our breathing rhythm with each brush stroke made on the paper. The flow of ink offers infinite possibilities, enhance our self-awareness and deepen understanding of ourselves through connecting with our body and mind. This webinar will embark on an exploration of the captivating world of Chinese calligraphy and its intersection with expressive arts therapy.
The webinar will begin by examining the concept and appreciation of Chinese calligraphy, shedding light on the unique way in which this art form communicates meaning. Unlike many Western writing systems, Chinese characters are not merely phonetic representations of sounds; they are intricate, pictographic symbols that convey deep layers of meaning and cultural significance.
One of the key focuses of the webinar will be on the experiential aspect of Chinese calligraphy, with a particular emphasis on the symbolic and pictographic nature of the characters. Even for those without prior knowledge of the Chinese language, we will explore how the very shapes and structures of the characters can evoke a sense of harmony, balance, and emotional resonance.
Moreover, the webinar will delve into the philosophical concept of “existence and nothingness” that is so deeply intertwined with Chinese calligraphy. The interplay between the brushstrokes and the negative space, the tension between the tangible and the intangible, will be a central theme as we unpack the depth and complexity of this dynamic art form.
Throughout our time together, we will strive to integrate the perspectives of the East and the West, drawing connections between the rich traditions of Chinese calligraphy and the broader world of expressive arts. This cross-cultural dialogue will not only deepen our appreciation for Chinese calligraphy but also inspire us to consider new ways of understanding and engaging with artistic expression.
Preparation for Experiential Activity:
For the experiential activity in our global webinar, please prepare the following materials:
- a Chinese brush, ink, and xuan paper.
If you don’t have these specific tools, don’t worry—alternatives such as paintbrush, watercolour (black), and drawing paper will work just as well. We encourage you to gather these supplies in advance to fully participate in the hands-on portion of our webinar.
Speaker:
Dr. LAI, Ka Kit (KK):
KK is the founding director of the Kunst EXA Academy / Kunst EXA Training and Consulting. He is a faculty member at the European Graduate School for the Master of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy with a Minor in Psychology and a former honorary lecturer and supervisor for the Master of Expressive Arts Therapy at the Hong Kong University.
KK has more than 20 years of converging experiences of art/art education/art therapy/expressive arts in creative enterprises.
As an associate fellow of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association, a registered art therapist, and a registered expressive arts therapist, he has been serving special needs children, youth and families, mental health patients, and dementia elderly in North America, Cambodia, Macau, HK, and China. He is also an editoria board member of the Creative Arts Education and Therapy Journal.
Ms. Yau Ching Nam, Esther, is a dedicated Expressive Arts Therapist with a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from The University of Hong Kong. She is also certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying, and Bereavement.
Esther specializes in working with children, teens, and families facing mental health challenges and emotional difficulties. Her passion for this work is evident in her extensive experience providing professional training for various organizations. She has co-authored children’s books and regularly contributes as a columnist to parent-child magazines.
In addition to her therapeutic practice, Esther has been practicing Chinese calligraphy for more than 20 years. She has published her research on this innovative approach in the Creative Arts Education and Therapy Journal, titled “Expressive Arts Therapy with Chinese Calligraphy Elements as a Working Approach.”
Joanna To, founder of Arts for Change, is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, MARI® practitioner, and Honorary Lecturer at the Universality of Hong Kong. She is the Event Chair of International Association of Creative Arts Education and Therapy. She was a Board Director of the Australia, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association (2020-2023).
Joanna has worked with different populations in local and international schools, Corporations, NGOs, youth centres and elderly homes. She has been practicing Chinese calligraphy since university and she is passionate in integrating Chinese arts and mindfulness practices under the domain of expressive arts therapy. She has published her research in the Creative Arts Education and Therapy Journal, titled “Ink for Metta”.
Curator:
Dr. LAI, Ka Kit (KK)
This event is free for IACAET Registered members, 10% off for IACAET’s Professional Organizational Members.