Chao Er Dai

1988後

Well

POST WINGS

Zhao Erdai's seal carving work "Demanding" is a self-requirement concerning his own creation and state of life. It serves as a reminder to himself—before the ink and brush, before time—whether he remains honest and clear-headed. Zhao Erdai employs an almost writing-like technique in his carving, with knife marks that are not intentionally ornamented, leaving the original texture of the stone intact, allowing the words and material to together form traces of time. The lines vary in depth, not as a display of skill but as a spontaneous and heartfelt articulation, creating a direct and unpretentious dialogue between stone and artist. This seal does not pursue the neatness and antiquity of traditional seal carving techniques, nor does it seek victory through form; rather, it presents an inward, restrained, and honest creative attitude, resonating with the respect for natural generation found in his ink paintings and ceramics.

However, the deeper meaning of the two characters "Demanding" comes from Mr. Erdai's internal pursuit of perfection. This is not an external perfectionism, but a self-requirement concerning integrity and character—refusing to easily compromise on his works, unwilling to go with the flow in life. At its core, this element of "demand" is actually a form of self-discipline and clarity, a steadfast adherence to creative standards, and a requirement for his own character.

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