I grew up in Asia because my father, Don Dietz, was a Chinese linguist for the US Government. This meant he learned to speak, read, write and interpret Chinese! His education in language took place at Yale University in the 1950's compliments of Uncle Sam. I had the delight this week, when I mentioned to him that I was getting ready to have a calligraphy painting session, of looking through his old practice books and materials on classic and 'grass' cursive script characters gathered both at Yale and in Taiwan during our trips there. (Somewhere in my house I have my school calligraphy practice books, too!)

My calligraphy brushes, big and small, along with dad's practice materials and new rice paper just yearning to be painted on...

I so LOVE the feel of the calligraphy brush in my hand and the deliberateness of the character brushstrokes.

In my practice, I start with the books, then branch off into creating artistic script with the flow that naturally emanates from the universe through my hands. Ah, what a beautiful space from which to create...

Have you ever picked up a calligraphy pen or brush, dipped it in black-as-night ink and set about creating beautiful script? Please share your experience in the comments below. :D