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.