Offers Advice and Guidance In Ancient Japanese Discipline

Arta, Greece -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2013 -- In Japan, the popular artistic form of writing called calligraphy is known as shodou, meaning "the way of writing". Unlike in America, it is widely practiced by people of all ages and all walks of life in Japan. Indeed, all Japanese children learn the basics of calligraphy as part of their elementary school education, just as American children learn to write their ABCs. As a means to educate the rest of the world on the beauty that is calligraphy, Nadja Van Ghelue has launched TheArtofCalligraphy.com, a website devoted to the discipline and beauty of calligraphy, featuring a studio of prime art examples, supplies needed, including what ink stick should be used, books to assist and a complete guide to the art form.

As Nadja Van Ghelue explains, "My wish is to bring you closer to the beauty and spiritual power of Japanese Calligraphy. Through my words and my artwork, I hope you get enthusiastic about this special art form. To create, the artist has to be in union with the true self. Then her or his artwork will transmit the timeless essence of the universe and communicate on the deepest level of our being."

Nadja Van Ghelue continues to explain calligraphy is more than a pretty means of writing, but a timeless piece of artwork as well, stemming from an ancient Buddhist art form. "The essence of Japanese Calligraphy and Zen calligraphy is true creation, you do not stop training until feeling and reason are no longer separated and body and mind become one. You let life flow into the brush and by so doing you create a vivid movement in the brushstroke that reveals the ki —the universal life force. That is why Japanese Calligraphy never stops fascinating me; it is an art training that addresses my own inner richness."

The therapy of calligraphy is soothing to Nadja Van Ghelue, who says, "I dedicate myself to this meditative art, which the ancestors often called the elixir of long life. When done properly the practice of calligraphy becomes a conversation with the true self. When writing with the brush the mind becomes calm and pure, the intuitive force is released and you discover your inner silent space. It is a fine art feeling that points to the true self and meets with the message of art, the refinement and perfection of the human mind."

About TheArtofCalligraphy.com
In an effort to educate the public about the beauty of the Japanese art of Calligraphy and provide information about supplies, TheArtofCalligraphy.com provides a complete guide to everything the layperson needs to know about the art form, its history, and items needed to get started. Additionally, they provide books to give inspiration and links to buy high quality prints of expert examples of the artform.

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Arta, Greece -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2013 -- Calligraphy remains popular today and yet its origins may be traced to cave drawings created thousands of years ago. The word calligraphy actually comes from two Greek words which mean writing or drawing and artistic beauty although calligraphy doesn't have to be a thing of beauty as long as it communicates well and is expressively appropriate. Over the years, this method of writing has become an art form that many wish to try their hand at, according to Nadja Van Ghelue of TheArtOfCalligraphy.com.

"Japanese calligraphy requires that one continue to train until reason and feeling are no longer separated. The mind and body must become one," Nadja Van Ghelue goes on to say. "When this occurs, life flows into the artist's brush creating vivid movement in each brush stroke. These brush strokes reveal the universal life force known as Ki. The artist converses with him or herself when practicing calligraphy as the mind becomes pure and calm. The artist's inner silent space emerges and intuitive force is released."

Seal script offers a special appeal to artists interested in the ancient form of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. Seal script may be compared to sitting meditation with a specific focus of the mind while cursive script appears to be meditation in action. "Only a few movements of the brush are needed to create calligraphic strokes, but these strokes still convey life by embodying the interplay of rest and motion that occurs continuously. "When motion and rest are combined in this manner, you are creating seal script," Nadja Van Ghelue explains.

Rice paper gives the artist the opportunity to express him or herself fully. When selecting rice paper, the artist must determine which rice paper is best. Sized rice paper absorbs less as an alum solution is used to coat the paper, giving it a close and dry texture. Sized rice paper is the best choice for detailed, more delicate painting. Unsized rice paper is absorbent and offers a soft texture which is slightly coarse. Experienced artists often choose this raw rice paper as it allows for fast and bold brush strokes. Raw rice paper requires fast brush movements, high moisture control and experienced brush handling. "The choice of paper can make the difference between a work of art and a practice piece," Nadja Van Ghelue goes on to say.

"When creating art, all factors must be considered and calligraphy is no different. From the paper used to the technique employed, all play a role in how the overall piece turns out. As calligraphy comes from the heart, the artist must ensure that all aspects of the piece work together to convey the desired expression and that is what TheArtOfCalligraphy.com aims to show," Nadja Van Ghelue declares.

About TheArtOfCalligraphy.com
TheArtOfCalligraphy is the creation of Nadja Van Ghelue who has been studying Zen calligraphy for the past twenty years. When Nadja Van Ghelue began her journey, she was captivated by the characters and their expressiveness which led her to study the work of the old masters of Japanese and Chinese calligraphy. She worked with artists who showed her how to write from the heart, to reach for the infinite through the finite. Upon furthering her studies, Nadja Van Ghelue also embraced sumi painting and began creating her own pictorial language based on her calligraphic experience which can also be seen in her pairing art works at her art gallery web site.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm