The Art of Written Expression

Today, I want to share briefly, my thoughts about written expression - yes, not writing nor creative writing, but written expression. Human beings seek many ways to express ourselves - the most basic being verbal and body language, and art.

In its more advanced forms, we have formal speech, handwriting, sign language, dance, and many forms of art - all aligned with the goal of expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs - to the intended recipient.

And then there's writing to capture thoughts and messages in speech, the written word, art, and performing arts (music and dance). Educators call it high-level thinking, critical thinking, and cognitive flexibility.

It is not incorrect. In any expressive form, you first start with the science and techniques. And upon mastery, it becomes an art.

In books or any written form, and paintings/sculpture, one may reread the text or look at the art piece for as long as they like to decipher the message.

Responding to what a person says requires quick thinking in order to read a person's literal (and hidden) words, intonation, facial and body expression, and context.

Reading music and dance - and I mean watching them live and capturing the very essence of the moment - not replaying youtube videos; requires a good ear and eye, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to the slightest movement and sound, and then articulating these in words.

Here's a collaborative work I wrote with Seni Gayong Fatani Malaysia, the many artists who drew in their chosen media, and art critic Chong Li En. Enjoy the captured movements and art pieces in this piece - The Art of Movement - an expression of expressions (click the link below).