SOTY 2023/24: Visual Artist second runner-up sees the beauty in Chinese calligraphy

These early lessons taught her patience and focus, traits that have remained with her.

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Her passion for calligraphy extends beyond practice sessions at home. By six years old, she was already participating in competitions. Although she didn’t always understand the meaning of the words she was tasked with writing, she embraced the challenge.

“I just followed the strokes to write the characters as they appeared,” she explained.

Learning calligraphy was not without its difficulties. Sum-yu shared how transitioning from clerical and seal scripts to regular scripts was particularly challenging.

“Regular script is what most people recognise and use in daily life. Because it’s so familiar, any mistakes in structure or stroke placement are easily noticed. Writing in regular script requires a lot of precision, and you can’t make corrections; if something is wrong, you have to start over,” she said.

To overcome these challenges, she developed the habit of carefully planning the structure of each character before writing. Sum-yu’s determination was tested during a memorable competition in primary school.

“I participated in three categories: big character, brush, and pen calligraphy. During the big character round, I was so nervous that I accidentally stamped my seal upside down due to a lack of time. I came out crying but had to prepare for the next round quickly. Despite my mistakes, I ended up winning three championships,” she said.

This experience taught her the importance of staying calm and moving forward despite setbacks.

Beyond competitions, Sum-yu has used her skills to give back to the community. During Lunar New Year, she participated in activities where she wrote fai chun – lucky phrases – for the elderly.

“Many elderly people said that the printed ones available outside lack the personal touch. They appreciated handwritten fai chun, feeling it carried more meaning and blessings. Some even asked where I learned calligraphy and expressed interest in learning it themselves,” she shared.

At school, Sum-yu’s leadership in the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Society has brought a new energy to the group. As chairperson since Form Four, she has overseen regular classes and introduced new activities.

“We organised a fan-painting activity where students could dye fans and write calligraphy on them. These hands-on activities are more engaging and encourage participation,” she explained.

The society also holds exhibitions during parent days and Lunar New Year events, showcasing students’ work.

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Sum-yu believes integrating modern elements into traditional practices can help calligraphy appeal to younger generations. Her efforts have contributed to a significant increase in the society’s membership.

She was recently named second runner-up in the Visual Artist Category at the 2023/24 Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Calligraphy has also shaped Sum-yu’s personal growth.

“In school, we need to concentrate for long periods, like during exams. Calligraphy has trained me to sit still and work on something for hours without feeling restless,” she said.

For Sum-yu, calligraphy is more than a skill; it’s a medium for expression.

“It’s not just an old art form. Writing reflects the calligrapher’s emotions. For example, someone might write in a more carefree style when feeling relaxed or more constrained during challenging times. It’s a way to express oneself that typing can’t achieve,” she explained.