Expressive Arts Therapy with Chinese Calligraphy Elements as a Working Approach

Abstract

The properties of Chinese calligraphy and its beauty have captured the imagination and expression of artists throughout the Eastern history. Although some in the Chinese world still practice Chinese calligraphy as an art today, many first encounter it as part of the literacy education in primary school curriculum. Repetitive mimicking is often emphasized in the process without much creative element. As a Chinese calligrapher who aspires to reflect on the creative aspect of the art form, this author chose to integrate elements of Chinese calligraphy with other art modalities in work with teenagers in school setting. This article will look at applying Chinese calligraphy elements to a framework called the expressive therapies continuumin group therapy setting.

Chinese Calligraphy: An Ancient Art in the Modern Era

“…By using blocky brushstroke, the visual effect of viewers can be improved. Chinese calligraphy is not only composed of lines, but also adds points, surfaces, shapes, colours and other elements, which will produce spatial effect on the plane picture and make the picture richer [11].…”