How to distinguish the basic strength and deep strength of calligraphers? For this problem, your time domain boundary is not clear. I don't know if you mean ancient or modern. According to ancient standards, it is more complicated; Judging from today's situation, it is extremely simple, but it is unknown. It is up to the authoritative person of the National Book Association to answer. Comparing the demeanor of calligraphers in past dynasties with the behavior of calligraphers today, it is not difficult to find the mystery. Ancient calligraphers must have "five virtues" and "one justice". These five virtues are:
A gentleman of noble character.
As the ancients said, traitors never spread the law of the world. People like Zhao Gao, Cai Jing and Qin Gui, no matter how well written, are always cast aside! It's unfair. So calligraphers handed down from generation to generation are all gentlemen.
Nowadays, calligraphers use relationships to steal posts, take advantage of their positions to cheat the world, and use media hype more. In terms of personality, Hunter is first-class, but it also depends on "strength."
The second is a knowledgeable Chinese scholar.
Counting the famous calligraphers, they are all talented and knowledgeable people. Everyone knows that the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi's calligraphy is very good, but few people know that the article is better. All the philosophers in Lanting have excellent works. Only "Preface to Lanting Collection" is included in the view of ancient prose, which shows that the word "book sage" is by no means a good word. Look at Yan Liu, Ou Zhaohe, Su Huang and Camo. They are all masters of Chinese studies. The formation of calligraphy is closely related to traditional culture. Knowing Chinese characters may not be able to write a good hand, but if you don't know Chinese characters, you will decide not to write a good hand even if you are well-behaved in writing. At best, you are just a word craftsman.
Now the so-called "calligraphers" are not even as good as archaeologists. As far as academic attainments are concerned, philology and poetry and songs are ignorant, and works are nothing more than platitudes, and white characters, typos and word-making are commonplace; Occasionally, the so-called self-creation, flatness, flatness, meter and rhythm are completely unreasonable, and as for artistic conception, it is even more vulgar; In the way of calligraphy, poor calligraphers, advocating novelty, unconventional and dry, have been sneered at by calligraphers in ancient times. Originally nothing new, but today it is ostentatious under the guise of "innovation". There are seven horizontal strokes and eight vertical strokes, and bull's head, rat's tail, bee's waist, crane's knee, bamboo joint and Chai Xiong can be found everywhere. From a distance, the dragon and the phoenix dance, but from a close distance, it is full of ugliness: slim as a willow swaying in the wind; Stumbling, sick with a stick, stagger. Ugly but shameless, talk about "character". "The snake pen is full of calligraphy and painting, and the oil cavity is full of paper." Su Dongpo's Innocence is My Teacher talks about nature and tries to avoid affectation. Now calligraphers understand it as imitating children's brushwork, which is really ironic. How many people have studied Li and Cai in Qin and Han Dynasties and calligraphy theory in modern times? It should be said that calligraphers are so sad, uneducated and ignorant, but they can appear as "everyone", which is by no means an ordinary "strength".
Third, a gentleman who learns from others with an open mind.
Modesty is the virtue of being a man, and it is also a manifestation of rigorous scholarship. In ancient times, when calligraphers saw a good word, they must think carefully and understand it thoroughly. Even his own disciples are not ashamed to ask questions. This kind of example can be found everywhere in China's calligraphy history books.
Look at today's calligraphers. Not only are they not modest, but most of them are too timid. I don't know if I have knowledge, but the bookshelf is twice as full. Ignore people when you see them and talk. Disgusting in public, bragging and swearing behind your back. Every time a masterpiece appears, it tries to discredit it. Too traditional and not innovative. It is an extraordinary "strength" to be a Wu Dalang completely, but to open a very prosperous shop.
Fourth, have the spirit of diligent study.
A man without learning and skill can't cut a jade without cutting it. There is no shortcut to calligraphy. Among ancient calligraphers, such as Zhang Zhi's dying in the pool and the wise monk's dying in the grave, all proved that nothing can be achieved without diligence. So is calligraphy. In ancient times, calligraphy was an insurmountable threshold for entering a discipline. Whether you like it or not, just from the point of view of fame and fortune, the fighting spirit of the ancients can be imagined.
Look at the people now, not to mention the famous posts. How many people have been there? It is the China characteristic of "calligrapher" to be a layman and an expert in Chinese characters. Without learning and skills, you will get a hollow reputation. It depends on hard work and speculative franchise.
How to distinguish the basic strength and deep strength of calligraphers? Today, this is the only one. First, try to rely on the person in charge of the local book association, which is the basic strength; It is definitely "deep strength" to spend a lot of money on high-level book associations. As for the ancients, there is no need to follow suit.
5. Natural interest (or talent).
The ancient imperial examination papers are all masterpieces of calligraphy, but there are not many masterpieces. The reason is that the role of calligraphy as a stepping stone can reach the standard. Therefore, the advent of the real "calligrapher" determines that there is no utilitarian color. Out of an unspeakable love for the fun of calligraphy.
There may not be such a calligraphy genius now. However, in today's utilitarian color, such a genius is doomed to be buried. Narrow jealousy and greedy material desires have already worn away people's conscience. I said the authority of the book association, that you can do it, that you can do it, and that you can do it. Say you can't, you can't, you can't! If you are a talented calligraphy lover and friend, you have no strength at all, and your martial arts are completely useless!
Finally, it is "a fairness". The so-called "fairness" refers to what people agree with. Famous calligraphers of all ages have historical proof and recognition from scholars. This article can't keep up with the times, nor does it meet the requirements of the times. Are all the calligraphers now elected by the public? Are the leaders and even members of today's book association elected? You are surprised to write an ugly hand or a "calligraphy master" and you are OUT! Today is the era of "personality publicity". Can you call a deer a horse? It has nothing to do with the existence of "basic strength and deep strength".
Speaking of which, my friend, how to distinguish the basic strength and profound strength of calligraphers? You should understand. Just one, "do a good job outside the words"!