? The fate between people is wonderful, and once they are attached, it becomes easy to meet. Since then, Ma Lao and I have met several times at friends. Ma Lao's humility and frugality left a deep impression on me. He often wears a white old jacket, which may be the tooling issued by his 43 factory as a senior engineer. He has a pair of generous glasses on his nose, which are often covered with a layer of gray stains, and his short black and white hair is casually draped over his forehead. Before I spoke, I heard his hearty laughter. I still remember the first time we met, Mr. Ma warmly held my hands, like a friend reunited after a long separation.
? Teacher Ma is open-minded and very respectful to everyone. He once asked me the meaning of "taking a still picture and forgetting to ask for help", which comes from Wang Xizhi's poem "Answering Xu Xun". I explained it from the perspective of Zen. The so-called "taking a quiet look and forgetting to seek" is to wash away all distractions and let go of the outward climbing heart. When the spirit becomes very clear and transparent, the heart is like a crystal mirror, which can thoroughly show the essence of things and is also a kind of reflection on the heart. Teacher Ma seemed to approve of my explanation. Later, he wrote a fan of "Looking at the static picture and forgetting to ask for it". Unfortunately, this work was not written for me. I also talked with Mr. Ma about calligraphers in Hubei. I suddenly remembered Huang Liang, an old-timer in the calligraphy field. I said that Huang Liang had a couplet, the content of which was "Let people be weak, if they succeed, they should not stray from the group". This couplet is very in line with your style. Teacher Ma nodded slightly, thoughtfully, but he didn't answer, but his expression seemed a little lonely. I think, if Ma Lao had not left Shanghai, what would have happened now? There may be some heartache in this.
? Teacher Ma always treats people with humility and courtesy, and even puts himself very low. He often boasts of being a "bad old man". Every time there is a painting and calligraphy activity, he always comes quietly and stands behind the crowd to enjoy it. He is simple and honest in the crowd, and seems to have nothing to do with calligraphers. Ma Lao doesn't care about the neglect of others.
? Although Ma Lao has been valued in Yichang cultural circle, he does not have any honor. Ma Lao is willing to support his younger generation and be a green leaf in the book world. Many calligraphers in Yichang have received his guidance, but he never pretends to be a teacher. For other people's calligraphy works, he always encourages them and never jumps to conclusions. For those who love him in Mo Bao, Mr. Ma is always open to all, responsive and very casual. It is precisely because of this that Ma Lao's life is also very tight. Later, I happened to see Mr. Ma riding an old bicycle on his grandson's way to school. After I came to Wuhan, I received a book from my friend, Mo Bao, and I never had a chance to ask Mr. Ma for advice. I used to feel that the days were still long, and there were still many opportunities to meet Mr. Ma. I didn't expect impermanence to come so suddenly, and Mr. Ma left in a hurry before I could say goodbye. Yan Shu's poem says, "The years are always limited, so it's easy to lose your soul when you leave at leisure, and you can't quit frequently at wine banquets and songs.". It's better to pity the people in front of you than to miss the mountains and rivers. " Every time I think about this, I regret it.
? I feel a little comforted to hear that Mr. Ma walked peacefully. I only wish that Mr. Ma would be a friend of lotus and pen and ink in the solemn pure land, and freely sway between heaven and earth!
? Liu Songlin
? January 17, 219
Brief introduction of Ma Zhenghao:
? Ma Zhenghao, born in Shanghai in 1947, was born in Yinxian County, Zhejiang Province. Graduated from Beihang University, he is a well-known calligrapher in Yichang, Hubei Province, and once worked as a senior engineer in the State-owned No.43 Factory. On January 18, 215, he died of sudden illness at home at the age of 68.
? Ma Zhenghao's father is a well-known photographer in Shanghai and has close contacts with the famous calligrapher Ren Zhenglao. Influenced by his parents since childhood, he studied calligraphy under Mr. Ren Zheng at the age of 4. His works are mainly cursive, mixed and elegant, smooth and vigorous with pen and ink, and uneven files; The brushwork echoes the concern, the character is ups and downs, the momentum is always straight down, full of paper, free and easy, simple and dignified, spontaneous, from the heart, so it forms its unique artistic style.
? His calligraphy is widely admired in Yichang book circle, and the gold-plated plaques of many famous local buildings and businesses are all written by him, such as "International Trade Building", "Dagongqiao Passenger Station" and "43 Theater". Most of the local influential album titles are written by him, such as "Hong Kong Reunification Series Stamps" issued by the State Post Bureau, and "Three Gorges Project Great River Closure Commemorative Album" printed by the Three Gorges Development Corporation. His works have also been published by People's Daily, Calligraphy Newspaper and other media for many times, and some of his works have been collected by major memorial halls, museums and other units.
Appreciation of Ma Zhenghao's Calligraphy Works (Part): (Some pictures are provided by Mr. Li Zhi)