The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Mega Mini Kits) [Paperback]

Melanie Votaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 2003 | Series: Mega Mini Kits

Instructions and tools for practicing the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy have never been easier or more affordable. Growing interest in Asian arts, coupled with a trend toward creative self-expression, make this a timely how-to kit. Contains everything needed: pot, ink, stone, spoon, brushes, paper, and an instruction book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melanie Votaw is a prolific writer, teacher, public speaker, and counselor. Her previous titles for Running Press include Hummingbirds: Jewels of Air, The Art of Belly Dancing, and 52 Weeks of Passionate Sex. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Running Press Miniature Editions (March 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762414804
• ISBN-13: 978-0762414802
• Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,070,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Instruction & Reference > Calligraphy
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Calligraphy

More About the Author

I'm a freelance writer in New York, have published my writing in magazines such as Woman's Day and Travel Savvy, and I'm a columnist for the Canadian magazine, Sexy Living. I have appeared on radio and television, including the Sony Worldwide Radio Network, I've been a guest lecturer for many organizations including the Mensa Society of Los Angeles, and I've taught courses for The Learning Annex in New York and California.

I'm very involved in self-development pursuits and spirituality. Toward that end, I have taught meditation and have produced my own lecture/meditation CD's entitled "Discovering Your Life Purpose" and "The Creative Impulse." I also teach online courses: "Discovering Your Life Purpose" and "Attracting Backyard Hummingbirds," and I publish my own quarterly e-newsletter entitled, "Rapturous Living."

Additionally, I'm a nature and wildlife photographer who has visited over 30 countries. I LOVE international travel, especially to natural settings. My galleries can be found online.

Prior to my career as a writer, I was an actress/singer/dancer and dance instructor. I performed one-woman cabaret shows in New York and also studied to become a professional clown. Making balloon animals and painting faces is loads of fun!

I've done a lot of volunteer work for organizations like Free Arts for Abused Children, Sting's Rainforest Foundation, and the Rainforest Alliance, and I produced a benefit show for Free Arts in New York in 2001.

In addition to my books and articles, I have published more than 50 poems and short stories in book anthologies and the literary magazines of six countries.

Enough tooting my own horn. I love to write, and while I know it's impossible to please everyone, I hope the majority of readers enjoy my work and are encouraged to learn or try new things!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not even substantial enough for its "mega mini" title., September 8, 2005

By 

C.J. Hustwick (Riverside, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Mega Mini Kits) (Paperback)

Save your money.

Buy a REAL brush, an $18.00 book on Chinese calligraphy, and the stone/pad/ink for 10$. That will put you back around $30.00 but is well worth it. The brushes stink, the book can be read in fifteen minutes, and there is not nearly enough paper. Basically, it will occupy your time for the very first lesson and then you'll have nowhere to go! Kind of annoying. They should either lower the price by a couple of dollars or raise it by one and include more stuff / rewrite the book NOT RECOMMENDED.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Missing Ink Stick, November 12, 2004

By 

Yorkshire "Gal" (Norwalk, CT, United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Mega Mini Kits) (Paperback)

The book arrived with a missing ink stick. Also, the brushes themselves are only 3 inches long - hard for an adult to use. This gift is OK as a stocking stuffer for a child, but I would not recommend it for an adult.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful kit and excellent intro to the art!, June 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Mega Mini Kits) (Paperback)

I can't believe how beautiful the items are in this kit! I expected something kind of cheap considering the price, but that's not the case at all. It has a beautiful stone, ink stick, brush, paper, and a sweet little china bowl - the works. The little book is interesting and clearly written, offering a great introduction to the art of Chinese calligraphy. I was surprised that with a little practice, I was actually able to duplicate the characters in the book pretty well. This kit is a lovely stocking stuffer and the perfect way to find out if you want to really study this art thoroughly. Highly recommended!