Equisetum

Contemporary calligrapher Shao Yan's rhythmic forms express the true possibilities of a horsetail brush. Traditional calligraphy appears conservative and lacks innovation in comparison. In interview the artist has stated, "Chinese characters come from nature, and they are more significant than any artist renderings of nature. Each character contains the space of freedom. Each is an independent kingdom, and all combinations can create harmonious beauty." He believes contemporary calligraphy is the struggle between creation and non-creation. Calligraphy is no longer inherently intellectual, but rather it is a liberating act of combining meanings to give life to an aesthetic image.