Page 16 - 2023不累不飾-任容清七十書法紀念展

for calligraphy, immersing himself in studying inscriptions, copying, he taught calligraphy classes at the Taichung City Dadun Cultural
double-outlining, and many more in his free time, feeling joy in the Center. Mr. Ren moved away from a competition-oriented approach
pursuit of knowledge. Mr. Ren built his skills from copying ancient later in his teaching career and emphasized more on “adaptability”
calligraphy inscriptions, starting with the regular script of Tang dynasty and “guidance,” recognizing that individuals have different qualities
by Master Liu Gong-Quan, then gradually exploring the clerical script and therefore require personalized learning content. He believed
of Han dynasty from the Yi Ying Stele and the Ritual Vessel Stele, that practicing calligraphy not only served as a tool for cultivating
as well as the Stone Drum Inscription, integrating bamboo slips and one's character, but also as a means of increasing self-confidence and
silk manuscripts. He also delved into the vast knowledge of Wei stele providing psychological support.
scripts through studying Wei dynasty monarch epitaphs and Longmen To promote calligraphy culture heritage, Mr. Ren organized and
Buddhist sculptures, as well as learnt running and cursive scripts from established the Taichung City Yueyang Tower Calligraphy Society in
Xian Yu-Shu and The Thousand Character Cursive by Zhi-Yong. 1992. Society members were mostly elementary and middle school
Through in-depth analysis of the techniques and aesthetics of ancient teachers, hosting regular exhibitions and publishing “The Zebra
calligraphers, he was able to achieve the techniques yet simultaneously Collection (Banma Ji),” with the focus on established themes and
develop his unique style. In 1995, after retiring from civil services, calligraphy research. This publication undoubtedly served as a gradual
Mr. Ren gained more time to devote to calligraphy. His first solo practice or pre-training ground for writing master's theses, garnering
exhibition, “Collections of the Heart: Ren Rung-Ching's Calligraphy considerable attention and praise.
Exhibition,” was held at the Taichung Cultural Center in 1996. More To facilitate teaching and assist beginners, preparing
exhibitions subsequently followed, including the 2004 “Ren Rung- comprehensive teaching materials was quite crucial. For this reason,
Ching's Life Calligraphy Exhibition” at the Taichung Cultural Center, Mr. Ren had published several works, including "Ode to Spring and
the 2014 “Echoes of the Mind: Ren Rung-Ching's Calligraphy Life Summer in Chu-style Script (Chu Ti Chun Xia Song)" and "Poetries
Exhibition” at the Mingzong Calligraphy and Art Gallery in Kaohsiung of Autumn and Winter in Chu-style Script (Chu Ti Qiu Dong Yin)"
City, and the 2016 “Wonderment: The Unrestrained Calligraphy of in 1997, "Poems of Diligence in Clerical Script (Li Shu Qin Xue
Ren Rung-Ching” exhibition at the Ling Tong University Arts Center. Shi)" and "Sentiments of Four Seasons in Chu-style Script (Chu Ti Si
Each exhibition was a demonstration of self-reflection and progress. Shi Qing)" in 1998. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Ren participated in the
In 2012, Mr. Ren was honored with the "Artistic Creation Award" of restoration of "Restoration and Enlargement of Selected Epitaphs;
the 53rd Chinese Literary Awards by the Chinese Writers’ and Artists’ Eastern Han Dynasty Ritual and Instrument Stele Volume 13,"
Association, as a high recognition for his artistic achievements. As "Northern Wei Dynasty Sculpture Record Volume 18," "Eastern Han
a calligraphy artist who dedicated his life to the art form, Mr. Ren Dynasty Shi Chen Stele Volume 21," "Restoration of Northern Wei
had always the resolute spirit of upheld the following motto from Dynasty Cui Jing-Yong Epitaph Volume 24," and "Eastern Cao Quan
Still Thoughts: A Collection of Short Teachings: "A person who Stele Volume 29." Mr. Chen Ze-Qun had once stated that "the
exerts his strength well is neither hasty nor slow; a person who importance of art restoration lies in authenticity and naturalness,
cherishes his ideals is neither impetuous nor lax; with unwavering and of those that deviate from this may not be deemed successful
determination and steadfastness, one can ultimately achieve their works." He also commented that "besides teaching calligraphy,
goals." Mr. Ren was also well-studied in calligraphy history and theory.
His deep understanding of both principles and techniques enabled
II. Teaching and Learning
him to provide unique insights into teaching methods." Moreover,
“What does one learn when studying calligraphy? What is
Mr. Ren had been extensively involved in various training programs
taught when teaching calligraphy?” These were the questions that
and workshops, serving as a mentor to seeded calligraphy teachers at
were brought to attention and constantly spinning in his mind.
primary and secondary school. He had also written dozens of lecture
In 1981, Mr. Ren officially began his career in calligraphy
materials, maintaining high quality standards along with quantity.
education, when he rented a space at the Dawn Office Building
Some notable examples include "20 lessons on the Cao Quan Stele,"
to hold calligraphy classes. As a self-professed student of science
"structures and variations in The Preface of the Orchid Pavilion (Lan
and engineering, he excelled in using his refined analytical and
Ting Xu)," "analyses and comparisons of A Narrative on Calligraphy
organizational skills in teaching. His established sense of an aesthetic
by Sun Guo Ting and The Thousand Character Cursive by Zhi-Yong,"
appreciation for famous calligraphic works also led to his profound
and "techniques to learning from Wang Xi-Zhi's Preface to the Sacred
understanding of the merits of various scripts in those calligraphy
Teachings in running script. The Introduction to Wei Stele: Teaching
masterpieces. Starting in 1982, he served as a calligraphy instructor
Materials and Methodologies of Bei Wei Zhengxi’s Calligraphy
in calligraphy clubs at National Taichung Vocational College (now
in the Handbook for the Calligraphy Talent Training Program at
known as National Taichung University of Science and Technology),
National Tainan University was also published in 1996, with many
Feng Chia University, and Tunghai University. From 1989 to 1997,
more countless publications These works demonstrated Mr. Ren's
he taught calligraphy at the Provincial Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
meticulousness and dedication accumulated over the years, leaving
as part of their art enrichment program; then, from 1998 to 2021,
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