Enlightenment and Guidance: Li Zhaodong and Dian Jiewei
Born into a family with a deep cultural heritage in painting and calligraphy, Li Zhaodong developed a lifelong affinity for calligraphy from a young age. His first teacher was his father, Master LI Yongzhi（李永芝）, as known as Yongzhi Gong（永芝公）. Under Yongzhi Gong’s careful guidance, Li Zhaodong immersed himself in the art world from a young age, beginning to practice calligraphy at the age of 3, with each stroke reflecting his love for the art.
Li Zhaodong’s calligraphic talent was soon widely recognized by society. His calligraphic works and stories were reported by various official media such as Shantou Daily, Nanfang Daily, Wenhui Bao, and Yangcheng Evening News. They even attracted the attention of the Pearl River Film Studio, which made a documentary film titled “Little Calligrapher — Li Zhaodong” to record his diligent practice and in-depth research.
However, Li Zhaodong was not satisfied with just achieving success in the field of calligraphy. Driven by a deep exploration of cultural arts, he aspired to learn and showcase his talents in a wider range of fields. Accompanied by his father, Li Zhaodong began to visit and learn from many renowned masters, including the famous calligrapher, seal carver, and poet Mr. Dian Jiewei （佃介眉）from Chaozhou.
Mr. Dian Jiewei was a renowned painter, calligrapher, seal carver, and poet from Chaozhou. He had served as a member of the Shantou Regional Federation of Literary and Art Circles and a member of the Chao’an County Political Consultative Conference, diligently working in the artistic circles for more than 60 years, with disciples spread all over the world, earning the reputation of “half of the city’s literati are his students” （一城名士半門生）.” His calligraphic and painting works were widely acclaimed and collected by museums, art centers, and collectors both at home and abroad.
Yongzhi Gong took the young Li Zhaodong on a long journey to Chaozhou to visit Mr. Dian Jiewei. Despite the inconvenient transportation and the discomfort of motion sickness, Li Zhaodong’s love for calligraphy and respect for Mr. Dian allowed him to overcome the challenges. At the time, Mr. Dian was already close to 80 years old, but each meeting with him was immensely beneficial for Li Zhaodong. Recognizing the exceptional talent of this young man, Mr. Dian highly praised Li Zhaodong, addressing him as “Calligrapher Zhaodong” （照東書家） and gifting him a calligraphic work with the inscription “Heavenly talent at a tender age, unobstructed” （天骨弱齡無壅滯）, implying Li Zhaodong’s outstanding calligraphic gift and youthful achievements.
Li Zhaodong had a high level of understanding in calligraphy and diligently practiced and studied it every day. Mr. Dian Jiewei once wrote a poem titled “Thanking Shinian Li Zhaodong for Calligraphy and Postscript”, evaluating Li Zhaodong: “The young man can carry forward the style of Jin and Tang, and there has been no one like him after Wang Xizhi” （少年能踵晉唐風韻，王鐸後未可復見）.
Under Mr. Dian’s guidance, Li Zhaodong’s calligraphic skills continued to progress, not only learning the techniques but also deeply understanding the cultural connotations and artistic spirit within.
Mr. Dian Jiewei’s teachings and recognition had a profound influence on the formation of Li Zhaodong’s calligraphic artistic style. Li Zhaodong constantly sought advice from Mr. Dian, often bringing the best xuan paper from home to visit him. Through the exchange and learning with Mr. Dian Jiewei, Li Zhaodong’s calligraphic skills progressed rapidly. Even today, Mr. Dian’s descendants still cherish the cursive calligraphy works Li Zhaodong created when he was young, as well as the poems Mr. Dian wrote for him, all of which are testaments to their deep friendship and Li Zhaodong’s artistic growth.
In 2016, Mr. Sun Kexian, the executive vice president of the Chinese Painting Society, a member of the Theoretical Committee of the China Artists Association, and a visiting professor at the PLA Arts Academy, evaluated: “Li Zhaodong’s calligraphy, with its unrestrained momentum, profound and pure skill, and elegant and extraordinary interest, is indeed rare among contemporary calligraphers”. This calligraphic achievement is not only the result of Li Zhaodong’s relentless effort and pursuit, but also the careful guidance and accumulation from Mr. Dian Jiewei and other renowned masters in the painting circle over the years.
The guidance and exchange between Mr. Dian Jiewei and Li Zhaodong in the early years laid a solid foundation for Li Zhaodong’s later exploration of style in the field of Chinese painting. Li Zhaodong’s landscape paintings often integrate calligraphic and painting elements seamlessly. Adhering to the creative concept of “using calligraphy to enter painting” （以書入畫）, he skillfully applies his calligraphic skills in Chinese painting creations. Whether it is the fluency of the lines, the precision of the dots and strokes, or the delicacy of the texture, they all reveal his profound calligraphic attainments and demonstrate his superb brushwork and ink-using techniques. This unique artistic expression has made his style stand out among Chinese landscape painters.
In Li Zhaodong’s artistic career, the deep friendship forged with Mr. Dian Jiewei is precious and unforgettable. Looking back on Li Zhaodong’s artistic achievements, Mr. Dian Jiewei’s influence is undoubtedly an indispensable part. This experience of enlightenment and guidance not only led Li Zhaodong on his artistic path, but also became an eternal source of warmth and strength in his heart.
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