I met Victoria artist Robert Amos today at the Fairfield Artists Studio Tour in Victoria. He paints and writes books, but his most fascinating works to me are calligraphic exerpts from James Joyce's novel, "Finnigans Wake", that he paints on ceramics.

Calligraphy means beautiful writing. Chinese calligraphy ("Shu Fa") is believed to be the most abstract and sublime form of art in Chinese culture.

To the artist, calligraphy is a mental exercise where the mind and the body harmonize to choose the best technique to express a message. Since it is very relaxing but also requires a high amount of discipline, calligraphy is said to be good for one's physical and spiritual well being. Historically, many calligraphy artists were famous for their longevity.

-Alix