江苏留学网

William Feld concentrates on his work. His prowess at calligraphy wowed 57 overseas Chinese teenagers at a summer camp in Yangzhou on July 29. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

A former top government official in Australia, now resident in China, has fallen head over heels for the charms of Chinese calligraphy – and has dedicated himself to mastering it and promoting it. 

Australian William Feld's knowledge and his efforts at executing Chinese calligraphy impressed a group of 57 overseas Chinese teenagers on July 29, who were attending a summer camp in the city of Yangzhou, a cultural powerhouse in eastern China. 

Though a foreigner, Feld has been immersing himself in the Chinese handwriting world for four years. His quest to master Chinese calligraphy was -- according to his wife Zhang Lan, a Yangzhou local -- inspired by signboards seen everywhere in the former downtown area of Yangzhou. 

"He will have a good look once there are signboards written in Chinese calligraphy," Zhang said. 

Feld's years of dedication have enabled him to master the writing brush and to execute the intricate  characters that are now to be seen in his work. His prowess wowed the 57 young spectators from the United States, Canada, Hungary, Ireland and Spain. 

"Chinese calligraphy is full of charm and Yangzhou city is the same," said Feld, adding that he would try his best to promote Yangzhou culture and make it known to the world. 

Feld is former secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education in Australia and international executive president of the China Calligraphy & Painting International University.