Erika Li is a contemporary calligraphy artist who began studying classical Chinese calligraphy at the age of five. Throughout her childhood in China, she rigorously practiced and mastered the different styles within the long-celebrated tradition. Her move to Vancouver, Canada at the age of sixteen marked the beginning of a fruitful experimental period in her practice. 

Li aims to preserve the inherent precision and meaning of Chinese characters while also creating her own gesture. Most recently, her experimentations center around incorporating color into the customary black and white art form—she applies specific color schemes to each character, adding further nuance and meaning.

Li completed a Level 9—which is the highest level—Certificate of Arts Grade Examination of China in Calligraphy, and has won over 50 awards in national and international competitions including Second Prize in the 2nd China Beijing International Arts Biennale.

My artistic practice is rooted in the rich tradition of Chinese calligraphy. I aim to expand upon the established parameters of the art form by introducing my experience and techniques. As a contemporary calligraphy artist, I seek to preserve this ancient art form while applying my unique approach to it. 

My move to Vancouver, Canada as a 16-year-old marked the beginning of my decade-long self-exploration of Chinese calligraphy. Over these past ten years, I have expanded beyond the traditional confines of the art, begun self-teaching and experimenting, and eventually developed my own distinctive style within this long celebrated art form. In recent years, I have been focusing on exploring the possibilities of traditional calligraphy by incorporating choices which lie beyond black and white. 

My work toys with notions of color—I expand beyond the customary black and white by incorporating color schemes unique to each piece in order to enhance aesthetic value and illuminate the meaning behind each piece.