JOHOR BARU: Grandmother Wong Foong Lin learnt calligraphy at the age of 11, and was so good at it that her teacher pinned her work up in the classroom.
But a long lull followed since then, until she was well into her 50s.
Wong took the opportunity to dabble in calligraphy again after her three children grew up, leaving her with time to spare.
Now aged 68, she has since produced hundreds of calligraphy pieces, even helping to create them for auctions to raise funds for Chinese school projects, charities and for NGOs.
Wong said one of her calligraphy pieces was auctioned off for almost RM30,000 in aid of a Chinese society two years ago, with a lawyer purchasing it.
Wong, who is the Johor Calligraphy Society treasurer, said she owed her ability in calligraphy to a primary school teacher who encouraged her.
“While my husband and children looked after our machinery business, I went for classes to work on calligraphy when I was in my 50s,” she said, adding that she learnt the finer art of decorative handwriting and lettering for almost eight years.
These days, Wong imparts her skill by teaching others.
“Many of my students are adults who find the art calming,” she said, adding that a 70-year-old man was her oldest student.
She said Chinese New Year was one of the busiest periods for calligraphers as they were highly sought after for calligraphy pieces for the opening of businesses, weddings and birthdays.
“I just finished preparing 50 pieces of painted hand-fans for SJK(C) Foon Yew 3 to help raise funds next month,” she said, adding that each would be sold for about RM100.
Wong, who also hand-paints lanterns, said her largest calligraphy and oil paint gift was to Foon Yew High School which measured 4.26m by 0.76m.
“It is an honour and proud moment for me for my work to be displayed in the school’s library,” she said, adding that it took three months to finish the piece.
It is never too old to take up calligraphy as long as the person has the passion and drive for it, said Wong.
“In calligraphy, there are no short cuts. You need to understand and practise to master the strokes,” she said.
Her society also organised exhibitions in China where she sourced her materials.
