10 Questions with He Wenya

Wenya He is a distinguished artist and educator specializing in Chinese calligraphy. With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts Calligraphy from Capital Normal University College of Chinese Calligraphy Culture Research Institute, Wenya has an extensive background in both the practice and teaching of this traditional art form.

Wenya He pursued his Master of Art in calligraphy techniques and history from Capital Normal University in Beijing, China, between September 2012 and July 2015. During his time there, his calligraphy works earned numerous awards in national competitions, and he was honored with an Excellence Scholarship each academic year. Wenya also contributed to the compilation of calligraphy history textbooks, underscoring his deep understanding and scholarly engagement with the field.

Before his postgraduate studies, Wenya completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Beijing Normal University College of Arts and Media from September 2008 to July 2012. As a student leader, he served as class president, vice president of the student union, and captain of both the college calligraphy association and badminton club. Wenya diligently honed his professional knowledge and skills, excelling academically and successfully passing the CET-4 English proficiency exam.

Wenya He began his professional career as a fire commander in Taihe County, Anhui Province, from August 2015 to June 2022. This role demanded excellent physical fitness and perseverance, with a full-time workload of 56 periods per week, encompassing levels from beginner to intermediate.

Since July 2022, Wenya has been a Chinese teacher at Tenghua Vocational School in Taihe County. In this role, he instructs two classes totaling approximately 120 primary school students aged between 7 and 13 years old. His teaching encompasses a wide range of topics including the pinyin of Chinese characters, character writing, word and sentence formation, idioms, classical poetry, and the intricate relationship between calligraphy and Chinese characters. Wenya’s lessons emphasize the cultivation of reading and writing skills, pronunciation, font shape, and the meaning of new characters, along with expressive reading techniques and the emotional nuances of the Chinese language.

Wenya He's achievements in calligraphy and education are complemented by his leadership roles during his academic years and his contribution to academic resources. His commitment to teaching the art and culture of Chinese calligraphy to young students ensures the preservation and appreciation of this traditional art form for future generations.

Wenya's dedication to his craft and his students makes him a notable figure in the field of Chinese calligraphy and education.

INTERVIEW

How did you first become interested in Chinese calligraphy, and what drew you to this particular art form?

Firstly, visiting a calligraphy exhibition is a very direct and effective way to let people feel the charm of calligraphy. Calligraphy, as a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation, not only has rich and profound connotations but also can inspire the mind and perfect personality. During the visit, I was able to feel a strong cultural atmosphere, which stimulated my desire to write well and my curiosity about calligraphy. This experience has made me more eager to understand traditional Chinese culture, thereby cultivating my interest in calligraphy and confidence in writing it well. In addition, visiting a calligraphy exhibition can enrich my life and make me realize that there are so many people around me who share the same hobbies, which makes me feel that it is a kind of enjoyment.
Secondly, understanding the stories of calligraphers is also an effective way to stimulate interest. For example, the story of Wang Xizhi's "Linchi Xueshu," through diligent study and practice, turned the clear water pool into an "ink pool" and ultimately became a highly renowned calligrapher in the history of Chinese painting and calligraphy. This kind of story not only gave me a deeper understanding of calligraphy but also sparked my interest in writing. By understanding the stories of these calligraphers, I can feel their love and persistence in calligraphy, which deeply infected me and made me even more eager to explore the world of calligraphy.
In summary, visiting calligraphy exhibitions and learning about the stories of calligraphers were the initial ways for me to develop an interest in Chinese calligraphy. These experiences not only made me feel the charm of calligraphy but alsostimulated my love and desire to explore calligraphy.
The charm of Chinese calligraphy lies in its beauty in form, meaning, and charm, as well as its highly condensed aesthetic taste, philosophical thinking, and spiritual pursuit as the Chinese nation.
Chinese calligraphy is not only a manifestation of Chinese character writing skills but also integrates the beauty of form, meaning, and charm, showcasing the profound cultural heritage and unique aesthetic taste of the Chinese nation. The beauty of calligraphy's form is reflected in the strokes and structural layout, with each stroke rich in vitality, showcasing the dynamic beauty of the strokes. The beauty of meaning refers to the cultural connotations and emotional sustenance contained in calligraphy works. Through brushstrokes, one can touch the emotional world of ancient people, appreciate the charm of poetry, and appreciate the profoundness of philosophy. The beauty of qi and rhyme is manifested in the fluidity of lines and the sense of rhythm in space. Each stroke in calligraphy is a continuous process of movement, giving vitality to the strokes and ink, making calligraphy works full of musical, melodic beauty.
In addition, calligraphy has a close relationship with Chinese culture. Writing is not only for practical purposes but also serves Chinese culture, containing great artistic elements. Under the leadership of Chinese culture, calligraphy is also covered under Chinese cultural aesthetics. Therefore, calligraphy art is not only a visual aesthetic but also a medium for spiritual communication, through which one can appreciate the essence of excellent traditional Chinese culture.
Throughout history, literati, whether in their pride or disappointment, have always had feelings for calligraphy. Through studying calligraphy, they have found their "self" and gained unparalleled spiritual satisfaction. It can be said that calligraphy art has become a spiritual comfort and "angel" for literati and literati, reflecting the satisfaction and attraction that calligraphy provides to people at the spiritual level.

How does Chinese calligraphy connect you to your cultural heritage, and what aspects of this tradition are most meaningful to you?

Firstly, the integration of calligraphy with other forms of art makes public culture more diverse and colorful. Calligraphy works, as an important component of Chinese national culture and art, not only showcase distinct national and regional characteristics but also reflect a strong atmosphere of life. This fusion not only enhances cultural taste and highlights geographical characteristics but also makes calligraphy works a fixed and long-term public aesthetic object with repeated and sustained long-term effects. For example, the calligraphy symbols on famous scenic spots and historical sites reflect the personalized temperament of the nation, while the calligraphy inscriptions and poems in regional culture reflect the traditional cultural connotations.
Secondly, the combination of calligraphy and other arts greatly enhances the function of propaganda and education. Throughout history, rulers valued the use of forms such as the integration of poetry and painting, as well as the combination of calligraphy and painting, to embellish ritual systems and promote education. This integration makes propaganda and education more touching, reflecting the important role of calligraphy in cultural inheritance. For example, the value of the Xi Ping Shi Jing lies in its being the standard version of officially approved Confucian classics from the era before the invention of printing, which can be used to correct errors in later generations.
Finally, the combination of calligraphy and other arts makes the decoration of utensils more antique. This fusion not onlyenriches the artistic expression of instruments but also enhances their cultural connotations and historical value, making traditional instruments more precious and collectible.
In summary, by integrating with cultural heritage, Chinese calligraphy not only expands its own space for value realization but also strengthens its connection with cultural heritage, making it an important component of Chinese cultural inheritance.
To enhance aesthetic literacy and appreciate an artwork, one must first possess a certain level of aesthetic ability. Chinese calligraphy, as an artistic creation, embodies universal and objective aesthetic factors in various aspects. When appreciating Chinese calligraphy works, it is necessary to carefully understand their lines, strokes, layout, and structure, strengthen aesthetic concepts, methods, and experiences, and improve people's aesthetic literacy. Inheriting Chinese culture, calligraphy of Chinese characters, as a cultural and artistic form, showcases the long history and culture of the Chinese nation. It is closely related to ideology, morality, and religion and is an integral part of the Chinese civilization system. Through Chinese calligraphy, people can feel the profound cultural heritage and humanistic spirit of Chinese culture. The long history and profound connotations displayed in Chinese calligraphy are important carriers for the inheritance of Chinese culture.
The artistic value of Chinese character calligraphy is also reflected in cultivating people's sentiments. Calligraphy has always been a pastime for scholars and a pursuit of the beauty of literati. To a certain extent, Chinese calligraphy has a positive impact on people's emotions, nourishing and elevating their spirit and making them more mature, stable, and composed. The artistic conception and emotions reflected in calligraphy works can inspire people's deep thinking and play an important role in beautifying and sublimating the spiritual world, which is beneficial to physical and mental health. Wang Xizhi said in his book "The Book Theory": "Those who are good at calligraphy in ancient times have a long life, and their hearts are fixed. Therefore, it is different from the constraints of writing. When practicing calligraphy, one should pursue the coordination and agility of hands, wrists, and arms and be strong and powerful. When writing, one should combine movement and stillness and have a moderate range of movements, allowing for a dual exercise of mental and physical strength.". Especially when writing regular scripts and running scripts with large characters, the strokes are smooth and flowing, with full and powerful strokes. When the writing speed is fast, it can release all the fatigue in the strokes and eliminate the worries of the day. When the writing speed is slow, it can carefully ponder the beauty of finebrushstrokes and relieve tension. Enhancing communication: Calligraphy, as an art form, can cross-regional and linguistic boundaries, enhancing communication and understanding between people.

Can you describe the tools and techniques you use in your calligraphy practice and how they contribute to the final piece?

The selection and use of calligraphy tools are crucial for the contribution of the final work. Calligraphy tools can generally be divided into two categories: directly used tools and auxiliary tools. Directly used tools include pens, ink, paper, and inkstones, commonly known as the "Four Treasures of the Study", while auxiliary tools include bookshelves, bookshelves, and pen racks. Whether it is a directly used tool or an auxiliary tool, it is necessary for beginner calligraphy enthusiasts to understand.
The pen is the most important and core tool among the four treasures of the study. The history of brushes is long; as early as over 50000 years ago, colored pottery patterns depicted with brushes were discovered at the Banpo site in Xi'an. The performance of a brush directly affects the state and feeling of the writer and also directly determines whether the writer's emotions and calligraphy skills can be fully expressed. In history, there were pens made of various materials, such as chicken hair pens, deer hair pens, etc. Nowadays, the main ones used are sheep hair pens and wolf hair pens. In addition, there is also a type of "dual brush", with the core bundle of wolf hair taking its strength and the outer bundle of sheep hair taking its softness. Due to its compatibility, it is loved by more calligraphers.
The choice of ink is also very important. Although modern calligraphy may use more ink, the texture and color of ink can also affect the final effect of the work.
The selection of paper is equally crucial, as different types of paper have different effects on ink absorption and presentation, which can affect the visual effect of the work.
Although inkstones may not be as important in modern calligraphy, in traditional calligraphy, the quality and maintenance of inkstones are also something calligraphy enthusiasts need to pay attention to.
Auxiliary tools such as bookcases and bookshelves, although not directly involved in writing, their quality and usage can indirectly affect the creative process and final effect of calligraphy works.
In summary, the selection and use of calligraphy tools contribute to the final work in multiple aspects. From the selectionof brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones to the use of auxiliary tools, each step has a significant impact on the completion and artistic value of the work.

How would you describe your own style or interpretation of Chinese calligraphy, and what elements make your work unique?

Style, in Chinese, is defined as a person's style and character; It also refers to the main ideas and artistic characteristics expressed in literary works, which have unique behaviors and concepts in terms of expression, dress, and behavior style compared to others.
Modern people often talk about dressing style, architectural style, speech and work style, etc., emphasizing individuality.Specifically, calligraphy's style is the artistic characteristics and creative personality exhibited by calligraphers in their creations. It reflects one's personal life experience, artistic cultivation, aesthetic taste, and personality and reflects these in the style and expression techniques of the book. There are group styles influenced by the era and social environment of calligraphers. For example, in the Tang Dynasty, the atmosphere was open and inclusive, with various calligraphy styles emerging one after another. Everyone emerged one after another. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, due to the confinement of society and the oppression of literati, the group style represented by calligraphy was mainly in the style of guan ge. But in group style, each person also has their own writing characteristics, which form an individual style. Group style and individual style complement each other, and when performed properly, it is a good artwork. If it is detached from public aesthetics and unique, it is difficult for people to accept and appears out of place.
The style shows the personality of the calligrapher. Each calligrapher has his own unique style, and each person's temperament is different. There is no identical person in the world, and there will be no identical works of art. Writing on paper showcases one's personality. To better showcase one's personal style, one should choose a style that matches one's personality traits without breaking through oneself. This is what I mentioned earlier. Before copying, one should read and feel the text carefully and then choose the appropriate font and calligraphy. Otherwise, it is unlikely for a weak woman to learn the magnificent style of cliff carvings. Here, you can take a look at the heroic style works of Yue Fei, Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian, and others.
Each calligraphy style has its unique characteristics and representative works, from the solemn and dignified regular script to the bold and unrestrained running script, to the free and unrestrained cursive script, and finally to the solemn and orderly clerical script, each calligraphy style reveals different artistic charm and aesthetic taste. Whether appreciating or learning calligraphy, one can choose a suitable calligraphy style based on their own preferences and understanding, and experience the beauty and artistic enjoyment within it.

What themes or messages do you most often explore in your calligraphy, and why are they important to you?

Unique artistic charm

Calligraphy, as a unique form of art, has a unique artistic charm. As a visual art, calligraphy's beauty lies in the coordination and harmony of various aspects such as shape, shape, strokes, and layout, as well as the expression of space, time, color, and other aspects. Calligraphy, as an abstract art form, requires the use of the artist's imagination and creativity to express the artist's emotions and thoughts through the density, thickness, lightness, and straightness of the strokes, thus forming a unique artistic style.

The embodiment of cultural values

Calligraphy, as an important component of traditional Chinese culture, has a profound cultural heritage and value embodiment. Calligraphy art is not only a form of art but also a manifestation of cultural inheritance and cultural value. It not only focuses on the art itself but also on the cultural spirit and historical cultural background reflected in the work. In traditional Chinese culture, calligraphy is regarded as an elegant art form. It is not only a form of written expression but also a spiritual expression and cultural inheritance. The cultural value contained in calligraphy art is not only in the artwork itself but also in the inheritance of culture and cultural spirit, reflecting its irreplaceable value.

Closely related to life

Calligraphy art is closely related to life. It is not only a form of art, but also a way of life and spiritual pursuit. In traditional Chinese culture, calligraphy is regarded as a method of cultivating one's character and character. Through the practice and cultivation of calligraphy, one can improve their moral character and cultivation. At the same time, calligraphy art can also bring peace and tranquility to the heart, achieving peace and tranquility in the soul. Calligraphy is not only a form of art but also an attitude and pursuit towards life.
In modern society, calligraphy art still holds significant significance and value. By practicing and learning calligraphy art, one can improve their aesthetic ability and cultural literacy, while also helping people better understand and appreciate art, enhancing its charm and influence. Therefore, we should attach importance to the development and inheritance of calligraphy art, allowing it to continue to play an important role in modern society.

What are some of the challenges you face as a calligrapher, and what do you find most rewarding about practicing this art form?

However, after entering the digital age, with the popularization of electronic devices such as keyboards and touch screens, traditional calligraphy gradually lost its practical value. The convenience of electronic devices has led to less and less use of handwritten text, which has had a certain impact on calligraphy education and development.
In addition, the fast-paced lifestyle also makes it difficult for people to appreciate the beauty of handwriting, and traditional calligraphy is gradually being marginalized. The younger generation has a relatively low understanding and interest in calligraphy, which, to some extent, also affects the inheritance and development of calligraphy.
Through systematic learning and diligent research, young calligraphy and painting artists have mastered certain creative theories and techniques and have shown their interest in certain aspects. Some artists have also achieved certain results. Although the techniques of expression are not yet mature and stable, and there is a lack of one's own artistic ideas and style, this is the period when the style of young calligraphy and painting artists began to form. Young calligraphy and painting artists should maintain a learning attitude of "learning beyond one's means", respect tradition, and strive to climb high and look far into the future.
Firstly, one must actively consider and establish oneself in the contemporary era. Brush and ink should keep up with the times, and traditional literati style calligraphy and painting art should also go to the masses, pay attention to social participation, create calligraphy and painting art works that meet the aesthetic of the times, and promote positive energy in terms of creative themes and writing content.
Secondly, there is a combination of moral and artistic cultivation, as well as theoretical and practical verification. In the selection of good teachers and friends, young artists lack the ability to discern an elegant aesthetic consciousness, which makes them easy to follow the trend and hype up. Therefore, it should be recognized that learning cannot be without good teachers and friends, and respecting good teachers is the most convenient way to learn. The practice of artistic creation is the source of forming artistic theory and the fundamental driving force for the development of artistic theory. At the same time, artistic theory has a counterproductive effect on artistic creation and can better guide artistic creation. Currently, the trend of neglecting theoretical research and emphasizing artistic creation in the art world is still quite serious, especially for young artists, which is a common problem.
Thirdly, the relationship between reality and distant places must be handled well. Young calligraphy and painting artists face constantly changing situations such as job seeking, unstable work, weak economic foundation, family building, and uncertainty about the future. These often contradict their artistic pursuits, and some young artists may give up their artisticdreams. Everyone knows that art originates from life, and this period is the accumulation period of one's own artistic creation. A successful artist in the future will surely overcome reality and self and ultimately see poetry and distant places.
Fourthly, there is a combination of art and technology. The fact that a certain form of art can still be inherited is definitelya necessity and choice of the times. Now is the era of self-promotion and interdisciplinary application. As young calligraphy and painting artists, we not only need to master theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also need to learn video editing and production, copywriting, image processing, curriculum development, textbook writing, etc. We should use various platforms to showcase our artistic works to the public, accept criticism and testing from the public, and can also obtain more rewards.

Who or what are your main sources of inspiration in your calligraphy work, and how do they influence your style?

When we appreciate a calligraphy work, we are often attracted by its profound connotation and unique charm. And this wonderful artistic experience comes from the mindset and inspiration that calligraphers immerse themselves in during the creative process. This article will take you to explore the inner world of calligraphers in their creation, as well as their sources of inspiration, and take you to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient art form.
Firstly, let's explore the state of mind of calligraphers in their creation. Calligraphy is an art that requires both physical and mental investment, and calligraphers often need to reach a state of selflessness in the creative process. They need tobe fully focused on every stroke so that their inner emotions and thoughts flow onto the paper through their fingers and pens. This coordination between heart and hand is the key for calligraphers to achieve a state of selflessness.
At the same time, calligraphers also need to maintain a calm state of mind when creating. They need to stay away from the hustle and bustle and let their hearts calm down in order to better capture those fleeting inspirations. During the creative process, calligraphers adjust their moods through meditation, breathing, and other methods to achieve the best creative state.
Hegel said, "Style generally refers to some of the unique characteristics of an individual artist in terms of expressive methods and intricate brushstrokes." Calligraphy style refers to the artistic characteristics and creative personality exhibited by calligraphers in their creations. Calligraphers, due to their different life experiences, artistic cultivation, personality traits, aesthetic tastes, and personalities, have their own characteristics when choosing their calligraphy style and expression techniques, thus forming different artistic styles. The author intends to discuss their own understanding of the reasons for the formation of calligraphy style from a psychological perspective.

How important is it for you to preserve and promote Chinese cultural heritage through your artwork?

As time goes by, many precious historical relics gradually disappear into the long river of time. Among them, calligraphy, as an important component of traditional Chinese culture, is receiving increasing attention due to its unique artistic value and historical significance. Calligraphy collection is not only a way of investment, but also a way of respecting and inheriting historical and cultural heritage.
Calligraphy works, as precious cultural relics, not only have artistic value, but also serve as witnesses to history. However, these cultural relics are facing many threats, such as natural disasters, environmental pollution, and human destruction. In order to protect these precious cultural relics, we need to take the following measures:

1. Establish a sound cultural relic protection system, strengthen the formulation and implementation of laws and regulations on cultural relic protection, and severely punish acts that damage cultural relics.

2. Strengthen the publicity and education of cultural relics protection, raise public awareness of cultural relics protection, and form a good atmosphere for the whole society to participate in cultural relics protection together.

3. Strengthen technological research and development, and use modern technological means to protect and restore cultural relics, such as 3D printing, virtual reality, and other technologies.

Calligraphy collection is not only a way of investment but also a way of respecting and inheriting historical and cultural heritage. While protecting calligraphy relics, we need to strengthen the inheritance and development of traditional culture so that this precious cultural heritage can continue. Only through the joint efforts of the whole society can we ensure the permanent preservation of these precious cultural relics and pass them on to the next generation. Let's take action together and contribute our efforts to the protection and inheritance of calligraphy, this precious cultural heritage.

How do you hope viewers, especially those unfamiliar with Chinese calligraphy, will engage with and appreciate your work?

The particularity of Chinese characters and brushes has given rise to the unique artistic form and brushwork system of Chinese calligraphy, and on this basis, it expresses the spiritual world and aesthetic significance of calligraphers. In the international education and dissemination of calligraphy, it is often overlooked to confuse "writing Chinese characters" with "calligraphy art" and "calligraphy classics", and to understand foreigners writing Chinese characters as "calligraphy" communication. I think that when explaining Chinese calligraphy to foreigners, the issue of brushwork is the core issue of calligraphy. On the one hand, calligraphers should pursue the superior realm of art while also expressing their personalcharacter in calligraphy. The emphasis on character in Chinese calligraphy art is a wealth of artistic ideas with Chinese characteristics. Appreciating calligraphy goes from emotional appreciation to rational thinking, and on a moral level, people are influenced. These all constitute the national characteristics of Chinese calligraphy, which need to be strengthened in the international dissemination of calligraphy to distinguish it from other Western plastic arts.
We need to strengthen the "three educations" of international calligraphy education. The three teachings refer to teachers, textbooks, and teaching methods. The way and effectiveness of studying in China for international students are significantly different from teaching in the native language environment of overseas learners. Therefore, teaching methods should also be changed with scientific training and classification guidance. There should also be differences in calligraphy teaching between European and American regions and Asian regions under the influence of Chinese culture. At the same time, learners have diverse age groups and professions, requiring teachers to provide education for international students of different levels, professions, and purposes, such as beginners and trainees. Calligraphy teachers are required tocontinuously enrich and optimize to meet the needs of international education.

Lastly, what are your current projects, and what new directions or themes are you excited to explore in your future calligraphy work?

There are two types of calligraphy projects: soft brush calligraphy and hard brush calligraphy, which include regularscript, running script, cursive script, clerical script, seal script, running script, and cursive script.
From the perspective of the essence of calligraphy, if extended from the perspective of calligraphy, calligraphy also includes calligraphy theory, calligraphy education, calligraphy research, calligraphy development, calligraphy sociality, calligraphy mass, calligraphy exhibitions and competitions, and other projects.
In recent years, calligraphy professionals have also made various explorations and attempts from multiple perspectives, including different materials, styles, and the combination of Chinese and Western styles. It is also one of the contents of modern calligraphy.
By incorporating calligraphy education into the curriculum, we aim to promote calligraphy on campus, vigorously promote the art of calligraphy, and stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of young people. The project adheres to the educational philosophy of "upright and upright writing, upright and upright behavior". Through establishing base schools and conducting calligraphy public welfare courses, more students will fall in love with calligraphy and enjoy the fun it brings. Any calligrapher or calligrapher has their own specific style and unique aesthetic value. Calligraphy cannot go far without a clear sense of style. The beauty of calligraphy is not something that can be achieved with just one skill, and the ever-changing skills of calligraphy are all determined by one's heart. "Without a spiritual platform, one must lack spirit," and the key lies in the quality of the calligrapher. Calligraphers should prioritize improving their quality, use aesthetics to drive their techniques and break free from the constraints of utilitarianism in order to make calligraphy more authentic and have a promising future. Exploring the true face of ancient Chinese civilization through calligraphy and allowing these artistic treasures to shine again further enriching contemporary world civilization.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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