Teo Cheng Chak 张清节（ b.1957)

Misty Clouds
云烟
Chinese Calligraphy Ink on Rice Paper/宣纸水墨画
135 x 28 cm (Calligraphy) / 185 x 42cm (with scroll)

Misty Clouds (云烟) is a calligraphy piece about a poetic reflection on transience, inspiration, and the deep resonance between the human spirit and the natural world.

过眼云烟供
墨醉，高歌天
地作秋声
穹烟

The idiom “过眼云烟” evokes the fleeting nature of worldly matters—like clouds passing before our eyes—while the phrase “墨醉” suggests a state of being intoxicated by the act of writing itself.

Through sweeping strokes and rhythmic composition, the artist captures the bold ecstasy of “高歌天” (singing to the heavens), grounded by the earth’s quiet reply in “地作秋声” (autumn’s voice composed by the land). The final phrase, “穹烟,” conjures an image of boundless sky and drifting smoke, inviting viewers to contemplate impermanence and harmony between self and cosmos.

This work fuses classical aesthetics with a personal lyricism, offering both visual elegance and meditative depth.

Artist Description

Teo Cheng Chak (张清节): A Journey Through Calligraphy

Born in 1957 into a traditional Chinese family, Teo Cheng Chak developed a love for traditional Chinese arts from an early age. During primary school, he diligently practiced calligraphy with Liu Gongquan’s copybook for six years, which ignited his passion for the art.

Teo met several calligraphers and participated in their gatherings, gaining valuable insights into creating excellent calligraphy. He frequented art galleries, exhibitions, and libraries to further his understanding.

After retiring early, Teo continued practicing calligraphy, taking advantage of the internet to study works from ancient to modern times. He developed a particular fondness for cursive scripts from the late Ming Dynasty and stele inscriptions from the Qing Dynasty.

Teo’s goal is to create calligraphy that is fluid, vigorous, and grand. Quotes by Teo Cheng Chak:

“The art of calligraphy is boundless.”
“Ink and brush are my lifelong companions.”