Connie Ho is a marketing copywriter and article writer. Before moving to Canada several years ago, I have lived in Hong Kong and England. As an immigrant, my bilingual and bicultural background gives me a unique understanding of life. Here in Canada, I have lived in different cities including Toronto and Calgary. Now my home is beautiful Montreal. It has a good mix of cosmopolitan zeal and treasured heritage. It inspires my mind, copywriting and entrepreneurship.

montreal chinese tattoo art

Connie Ho Consulting
Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

Montreal Arts, Culture and Lifestyle

Montreal is an exciting city for discovering the arts, entertainment, culture and urban comforts. Whether it is innovative products, artistic displays, lifestyle or outlandish cuisines, Quebecers are ready to embrace all without thinking. Connie Ho Copywriter have a sharp sense for Culture and Arts. I keenly observe the hottest gift ideas, tattoo designs and other fascinating things in the city. The Latino spirit and French culture are inspiring. I attend exhibitions, cultural events and trade shows. My blogs will show you the best in urban lifestyle, artsy fartsy things, beauty, and more. As my driving improves, my fear of the highways diminishes. Decarie Boulevard, Montreal’s fastest highway, does not seem intimidating any more. Instead, I muse about museum hopping in down town Montreal, jazz music, and the Quebec style ‘cafe au lait’.

Montreal Chinese Arts, Calligraphy and Painting
Montreal Chinese Tattoos, Tattoo Art Gallery

Calgary Oil Boom, Alberta Growth

With the oil boom, Calgary emerges as a mecca for investors, jobs and business. With the optimism on energy stocks, real estate, and international commerce, Alberta has become the epicentre of growth for Canada. Under the economic frenzy and “Albertanism”, I maintained a low-key lifestyle. My favorites included simple things like country music, ginger beef (Alberta’s best Chinese delicacy) and social dance. In my spare time, I volunteered in community agencies helping immigrants. My belief is lifelong learning, social inclusion and multiculturalism. The hardest thing to cope was the speed on Deerfoot Trail, Calgary’s fastest highway. I always wondered if I would get off alive. Thanks God, Connie Ho always did! Living in oil rich Calgary gave me the first hand experience of a prairie metropolis. The stereotype of the ‘wild west’ is simply untenable. The cow boy spirit prevails under the panoply of urbanism. Alberta’s phenomenal success created a civic pride in its people.

Montreal Meetups, Business Networking, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Here in Montreal Connie Ho Copywriter has joined many business networking groups. Montreal Meetups offer many networking opportunities for business professionals. Let us share stories of success, challenges, and best practices. I love to learn online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and internet strategies. Why not get out of the house and network with people. Entrepreneurs love to be inspired by innovation, ideas and action. I guess we all do, isn’t that right?

Chinese Calligraphy Art Performance by Montreal Artist Ngan Siu Miu – Youtube Video

With the global demand for fuel, oil-producing regions in Canada have experienced an economic boom. This is certainly true for the Province of Alberta. In particular, Calgary has seen phenomenal growth. With rising energy stocks, real estates, and commerce, this city has become a Mecca for international investors. Today, more and more people travel to Calgary for business as well as for pleasure. Business travelers and tourists arrive in droves. They look for interesting places to visit.

Calgary Attractions in Downtown

Many international travelers like to stay in downtown hotels. The city center provides convenience of travel, meeting, and is accessible by public transit. Now that you are in the downtown core, you probably would like to visit some of Calgary’s best attractions, right? The must-see sightseeing must include the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary, Calgary Stampede, Lougheed House, and Telus World of Science. However, what about a cultural place that is quite unique? Visit the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. It is conveniently located in downtown, adjacent to Chinatown where you can savor delicious Chinese cuisine. Don’t forget to try Ginger Beef, the best Chinese food in Canada.

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, Sightseeing and Visitors

Since its opening in 1992, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre has been a major tourist attraction. It is a place for people to explore a unique and fascinating culture. As a non-profit organization, the Center is home to a Chinese library, a cultural museum, a Chinese school, a multi-purpose hall, a gift store and much more. The Centre is open to the public year-round. Admission is free. Classes relating to Chinese culture are offered regularly. There are frequent exhibitions and events that introduce visitors and tourists to a culture that dates back some five thousand years. The Chinese Cultural Centre is ideal for Calgary sightseeing.

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, the Building

Construction of this Calgary building began in May 1991. It was completed in September 1992. An estimated quarter of a million people visit the Center annually. Art exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures and other works are displayed on the second and third floors. The exhibitions on the upper levels are always free of charge. The Cultural Centre has a library with over 40,000 volumes, including books, magazines, and other resources. There are twelve classrooms for language, painting, martial arts, and special interest classes. This amazing building is one of the top Calgary attractions and downtown landmarks.

Chinese Arts, Painting and Culture in Montreal Canada

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, Wonderful Architecture, Things To Do

The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is a unique building. It imitates the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. This is truly an architectural wonder. The Center consists of decorative paintings, legendary figures, motifs, and many many dragons and phoenixes (561 dragons and 16 phoenixes in total) Can you count them? The structure was crafted by expert artisans who had traveled from Beijing for this project. They are renowned for classical Chinese architectural workmanship. One day if you do travel to Calgary, whether for business, pleasure, or sightseeing, visit the Chinese Cultural Centre. If you are a local looking for weekend activities or Calgary things to do, the Center will not disappoint you. Thousands of years of history condensed and conveniently located in downtown Calgary. Explore ancient culture in a Prairie metropolis. This Calgary attraction will give you a very cultural experience.

Connie Ho Consulting
Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

Ginger beef, wikipedia.org

Ginger Beef and Immigrants in Canada

Did you know that Ginger Beef tells a rich history of Chinese immigrants in Canada? In fact, Calgary is well known for this dish. With the oil boom, Calgary has increased its reputation in the global arena. It is like Texas. During my years in Calgary, I have sampled the best Ginger Beef. Now I live in Montreal, the sight of Ginger Beef brings back fond memories. More importantly, I have discovered the truth about food, culture and society.

Chinese immigrants, landofsixpeoples.com

Ginger Beef, History of Chinese Immigrants in Calgary

According to Anthropologist, Dr. Josephine Smart, Ginger Beef is a uniquely Calgarian invention. In her research, Smart traces the history of Chinese food in Canada since it was first brought in by Chinese immigrants in 1850. According to her, Calgary is the rightful birthplace of Ginger Beef. Canadian Chinese cuisine is as much a part of our Chinese heritage as the hockey rink. A lot of Chinese food as we know today is actually North American inventions, says Smart.

Connie Ho Consulting
Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

When the first Chinese immigrants came to Canada, they opened their cafés. Their main customers were Caucasians and non-Chinese. Their cuisine had been localized for two reasons. First, to accommodate to North American tastes. Second, difficulty in getting traditional Chinese spices for many of the dishes. The result is that we now have Canadianized Chinese food. In other words, Ginger Beef is not authentic but Westernized Chinese food.

Dr. Josephine Smart, Expert in Anthropology, University of Calgary Alberta

Chinese Restaurants, Non-Chinese, Chinese Customers

According to Smart, history shows that Chinese restaurants pay much attention to non-Chinese consumers. Whether it is Ginger Beef, egg rolls or chop suey, restaurant owners adjust their dishes to what customers like. For instance, when Chinese restaurant owners observed Caucasians consuming roasted meat smothered in gravy, they quickly increased the sauce content of their own dishes to simulate it. They also added sweetness to the sauces. This is because Caucasians and non-Chinese ate more desserts and sweetened their beverages with sugar. By contrast, the Chinese ate less sugar. We have to realize that culture is never static. It is evolving as we speak, says Smart. Canadianized Chinese cuisine is very much a part of our identity, though we may not realize it.

Chinese Art, Painting and Culture in Montreal, Canada

“Ginger Beef is not authentic Chinese food but Westernized Chinese food…..Caucasians and non-Chinese consumers like dishes with a sweet taste. By reverse, the Chinese do not like sweet dishes.”

Food, Culture, Society

Food is an essential part of our lives. It serves basic needs. Beyond that, it reveals our past, our ancestors and about ourselves. My mom always says, “You are what you eat?” Her concerns are nutrition and health. For me, the concerns are different. Food reveals our roots, culture and history. Next time when you are eating your favorite food, think about yourself and your root. Remember, mundane things can lead to self-discovery. You can understand yourself more through trivia.

• Do you have a favorite dish?
• Does your tasty food bring any fond memory?

If so, what are those memories?
Share them with me, I am happy to know.

David Beckham is one of the worlds most well known sport celebrities of our times. His every move is keenly captured by the press. He admits to being a ‘tattoo addict’. That goes without saying that he has numerous ink over his body. However, the one that seduces the world is no doubt his Chinese tattoo in calligraphy style. This cursive tattoo has won accolade from all spectra, including the media, his fans, and fashion observers alike.

Many people have asked me about Chinese tattoo designs. Although they are intrigued by Beckham’s Chinese writing, few of them are able to explain why. Well, let me put things in perspective. This will help you understand and appreciate Chinese writing tattoos.

Chinese Calligraphy Tattoo, Cursive writing, Tattoo quotes
Traditional Chinese Art by Ngan Siu Mui, Montreal Canada

Beckham Writing Tattoo, Quotes, Asian Words, Writing Styles, Oriental Tattoo Calligraphy

What is most attractive of Beckham’s Chinese tattoo is the use of calligraphy. The words are done in masterful Chinese symbols. In China, calligraphy is the art of handwriting. Through the handling of the brush, control of ink, and hand movements, calligraphy conveys the emotion and personality of the creator. It does so beautifully and miraculously, like a fable. Chinese tattoos in calligraphy are more sophisticated than ordinary writing or script. Many ink designs these days are based on Chinese fonts or tattoo font. Unfortunately, these look artificial. By reverse, calligraphy designs are done by artists or writing experts. This renders a natural and attractive look.

Beckham tattoo

Beckham Chinese Tattoo Meanings

Beckham’s Chinese tattoo has a great meaning, “Life and death have pre-determined appointments; riches and honor are from heaven”. The advantage of writing is that it serves as communication. Writing differs from painting or drawing tattoos in the sense that it communicates a clear message. The design is rendered in the writing text of a certain language. This is language art. Today, many ink lovers choose styles based on Chinese proverbs, Buddhist sayings, wise quotes, daily phrase or some common expressions. It is wonderful to see ancient wisdom in contemporary tattoos.

Connie Ho Consulting
Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

Beckham Chinese Tattoo, Cursive Writing and Different Script

Beckham’s Chinese tattoo is based on one of the most beautiful yet abstract form of writing – cursive style. Chinese writing falls into five distinct styles (script): seal script, running script, clerical script, regular script, cursive script. Cursive script (grass style) is considered to be the most liberated, modern, and stylistic writing. In old China, the cursive style was developed as a cursory way to write the popular and not yet mature clerical script. It is faster to write than other writing styles. This is because it simplifies the words by omitting some strokes. Chinese cursive tattoos really suit people with a distinct personality, especially those who are independent, free or even wild at heart. The untamed look of cursive writing is quickly winning the hearts of tattoo lovers.

Spine Tattoo, Grass Style Writing, Blossom Flower Tattoo Video

One of the fastest growing trends is Calligraphy tattoos in Chinese symbols. Even celebrities have eagerly embraced Asian writing. For example, prior to the Beijing Olympics, Beckham has his torso etched in eight symbols in cursive calligraphy style. This is a Chinese proverb, which is written from top to bottom. The meaning is “life and death have determined appointments; riches and honors depend up heaven.” This calligraphy writing tattoo has attracted enormous media attention.

Chinese Calligraphy Tattoo, Cursive Writing, Tattoo Quotes
Traditional Chinese Art by Ngan Siu Mui, Montreal Canada

Chinese Calligraphy and Kanji are beautiful writing. It is revered and practised by people in Asia. The beauty and ingenuity of Chinese symbols, or characters (words) make them ideal for tattoo. However, due to their complexity, many westerners do not know how and where to get their Calligraphy tattoos. They encounter difficulties due to language and cultural barriers. Chinese symbols are beautiful, mysterious, yet “hard to get”. This is a great dummy’s guide for everyone. It helps you understand and how to choose Chinese calligraphy tattoos.

Calligraphy Tattoo Fonts and Chinese Translation

People seek free calligraphy tattoo font over the internet for their designs. Also, they rely on online Chinese dictionary or translation tools for their tattoo meanings. Unfortunately, these methods rarely produce satisfactory results. Tattoo fonts are ill suited for aesthetic display. Calligraphy fonts are not meant for body decoration. Rather, they are used primarily for printing purposes. In addition, automatic Chinese translations are far from perfect. They tend to yield absurd or mismatched meanings. To avoid these mistakes, you should hire a Chinese expert to do your ink design. Just follow these simples steps.

1. Chinese Calligraphy and Tattoo Ideas

   Do a Google keyword search for “Chinese calligraphy”. Focus on images, pictures, or photo galleries. You don’t need to understand Chinese. The most important are the visuals. Calligraphy images provide great tattoo ideas for neck, lower back, arm, foot and full body design.

2. Tattoo Calligraphy, Asian Styles Writing, Tattoos with Quotes, Meaningful Phrases, Cursive Tattoo

   You should decide which calligraphy style to choose for your tattoo. It falls under five major styles (or script): seal script, clerical script, cursive script (grass style), running script, and regular script. Do a Google search for sources relating to these Kanji styles. If you wish, you can read the history, stories, and significance of Chinese calligraphy. These help you appreciate Calligraphy tattoos.

   

3. Calligraphy Tattoo Meanings

   Calligraphy is not merely beautiful writing. It is text and thus conveys meanings just like any language. Now, you should consider the tattoo meaning of your Chinese writing. What do you want to convey? Patience, beauty, etc. The meaning that you choose determines what Chinese symbols to be used for your tattoo. It should reflect your individuality, inner beauty, or unique qualities.

   Connie Ho Consulting
   Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

4. Calligraphy Tattoo Designs, Writing Expert

   To get a calligraphy tattoo design, you need to find someone good at Chinese writing, an expert in the field. That person should be a calligrapher. Why? Calligraphers are artists who have extensive training in aesthetic writing. Many of them have practiced handwriting styles for several years. By a different token, tattoo artists are skilled in body inking, not calligraphy. Hence, you should purchase your writing design from a calligrapher, not a tattoo artist. You ask the calligrapher to translate your chosen word or phrase to Chinese.

5. Calligraphy Writing and Tattoo Parlor

   Take your calligraphy writing to a tattoo parlor. Decide the specifics of your inking, e.g., placement, size, color. Your skin is now emboldened with meaningful Chinese script for the rest of your life. The ink design is special because it is custom design by an artist – the calligrapher. The best calligraphy tattoo is one rendered by a calligrapher. Inking is long term body decoration. It is worth doing some research so that you get the proper design.

Chinese Writing Tattoos, Calligraphy Styles Video

Nowadays, Asian symbols have been introduced to our daily lives in several ways. This includes fashion, interior design, product marketing, and body decoration. In particular, Chinese symbols tattoos have endeared many enthusiasts in the west. They have graced the skin of people around the world, including celebrities.

Asian Symbols Tattoos and Celebrity

Sexy Hollywood stars boldly show their Asian symbols tattoos in gorgeous styles. In many cases, I notice that the Chinese symbol for ‘strength’ is especially popular among celebrities. For instance, Megan Fox, Julia Roberts, and Cher have this symbol inked on their bodies. Britney Spears has word for ‘mystery’. Justin Timberlake displays his love for music with the tattoo word for ‘song’. It appears that our love for Asian symbols has no boundary. Well, it is easy to understand. A few Chinese characters can convey deep meanings. They are powerful reminder of your uniqueness. Sometimes, words are more memorable than pictures. This is certainly true for writing tattoos.

Asian Symbols, Calligraphy for Tattoos

Many people have etched their skin in Chinese symbols done in masterful styles. This is known as Chinese Calligraphy tattoos. They are marked by elegance and simplicity. Their beauty is derived from traditional Chinese calligraphy. The ingenuity and intensity of the brush strokes give Calligraphy tattoos a timeless look. They are ideal for neck, back, arm, chest, or ankle tattoos. You can also add picture designs like dragon, zodiac, animals, or koi fish alongside your calligraphy tattoo.

Calligraphy Tattoo Ideas, Chinese Script, Tattoo Quotes, Cursive Writing

Many trend followers choose to express their individuality through calligraphy. Some tattoo ideas include your name, meaningful words, saying, or phrase. Calligraphy tattoos and their meanings are intriguing. They can be the symbolic representations of thought, emotion and your true self. There are five kanji writing styles (or script) for inking: Seal script; Running script; Clerical script; Regular script; Cursive script. Script tattoo is unique. Go with the designs that speak your mind or your spirit.

Chinese Calligraphy Tattoo, Cursive Writing, Tattoo Quotes
Traditional Chinese Art by Ngan Siu Mui, Montreal Canada

Calligraphy Font, Tattoo Symbols

Calligraphy Fonts and tattoo symbol are generated by computer. Both are meant for computer use. Mechanical operation requires that input has exact layout, measurement and size. Fonts duly serve these purposes. Did you know that many ink designs these days are but fonts? People choose fonts because they look neat. In fact, what they don’t realize is that this ‘neatness’ comes at the expense of beauty. Words tattoo based on fonts are just artificial reprints. Why have computer output on your skin? Your body deserves more than mediocre renderings. Choose Oriental tattoo that is authentic and extols your individuality. Go with Calligraphy and kanji.

Connie Ho Consulting
Connie Ho Writer Blog Montreal Canada

Calligraphy Tattoo Designs, Writing Tattoos

The best Calligraphy tattoos are those created by writing experts, not computer programs. These designs are marked by proper composition. The strokes in each Chinese symbol show grace, not linearity or triteness. Overall speaking, the writing is coherent and fluid in spatial arrangement. Calligraphy is a fine art, created by human. It serves aesthetic purposes and appreciation. Calligraphy writing carries mystery and understated charm. Writing tattoos are artistic expressions so no Chinese characters (words) can be identical. Each symbol is created differently and has a unique style. Calligraphy tattoos radiate sophistication and natural beauty. Don’t we want that on our bodies? We like body art, not body font.

Chinese Fantasy Tattoos, Asian Symbols on Angel, Cupid, Mermaid, Hero – Youtube Video