Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

What you'll learn

Learn Chinese calligraphy with our calligraphy courses in Sydney!

Discover the captivating world of Chinese calligraphy with our engaging courses in Sydney! Calligraphy, often compared to abstract painting, combines various artistic elements like form, line, space, ink, and texture. Dating back to ancient times, Chinese calligraphy has a history spanning over 4000 years, originating from the legendary Xia dynasty (2000 BC). In our workshop, you'll not only learn how to write beautifully but also explore the essence of Chinese culture through its written language. 

We'll delve into the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and the cosmos, drawing inspiration from both calligraphy and painting. Additionally, we'll explore the symbiotic relationship between calligraphy and painting, inspired by the creative theories of Paul Klee. We aim to make this ancient art form accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

After finishing this course, you might like to enrol in the Chinese Brush Painting Course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Chinese calligraphy workshop, you should be able to:

• Gain a brief history of Chinese calligraphy.
• Develop a foundational understanding of the Chinese writing system, both in theory and practice.
• Experience Chinese calligraphy as a tactile art form, akin to physical exercise, engaging muscles from fingertip to body, while also providing moments of inner peace and calm, fostering a meditative quality.
• Gain insight into the richness and beauty of Chinese culture through the exploration of written language.
• Cultivate essential virtues such as patience, perseverance, discernment, and focus through calligraphy training

Course content

By the end of this Chinese calligraphy course, should be able to:

• Learn the fundamental eight basic strokes of Chinese calligraphy, known as "Eternity."
• Understand the stroke order and explore the four major structural formats of Hanzi characters.
• Discover Chinese radicals and master the technique of using the radical index to look up words in a Chinese dictionary.
• Explore the six scripts of Chinese calligraphy and gain insight into how Chinese characters are constructed.
• Examine the symbiotic relationship between calligraphy and painting, exploring designs that blend elements of both arts, inspired by the creativity theory of Paul Klee.

Intended audience

Who is this for? 

• This course is open to beginners and individuals with previous calligraphy experience or any artist looking to explore a new style of art.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

What to bring to class

If you wish to use your own materials please bring the following:

•  1 × medium line brush (brown hair), 1 × smaller line brush (brown)
•  Chinese paper (roll or pad)
•  Chinese ink

Brushes, ink and Chinese paper are provided. 

Additional information

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes and/or bring an apron
• Long hair must be tied back