World Leading Master Calligrapher Guodong Li and His Calligraphic Art
----Highlights of His Achievements in the Years of 2011 and 2012(1)
Renowned Calligrapher and Doctor
Professor Guodong Li has been practicing medicine for over forty-five years and calligraphy for over sixty years. With exceptional medical skills, Prof. Guodong Li created  "acupuncture detoxification treatment" and "music acupuncture treatment”. Especially in the field of surgery, his operations on patients with thyroid tumor were hailed by the World Health Organization experts as the "the world-class thyroid surgery”. His surgery on rectal fistula has broken a hundred year tradition that has been maintained by medical field in European and American countries which usually requires three surgeries, four incisions, three months to complete. Prof. Li’s operation, however, only needs only one surgery, one incision and  five hours to complete.  A sensation in the world in the medical community!
Recent Achievements in Review
After decades of practicing calligraphy, Prof. Guodong Li has reached the peak of his calligraphic career from the end of 2010 to 2012.  Not only his calligraphy exhibitions were held one after another, but also he has received several professional and prestigious awards.
On November 31st 2010, Prof. Li received the highest award in calligraphy: the Diamond Award, which was given by “World’s Distinguished Artists Exhibition” judge panel in America.
    On December 18th, 2010, UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon collected Prof. Li’s work: Good Luck.
    On April 8th, 2011, Prof. Li donated his work Boundless Love  for charity purpose . It won the highest bid at the auction held at the Chinese Mission to the United States, and the fund raised from the auction was donated to help the victims of the disastrous earthquake in Japan.
     From  April 20th to 29th, 2011, Prof. Li’s calligraphy show was held in the United Nations as an important part of “the Chinese Language Day of UN”.  Several distinguished UN celebrities such as the Under Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Kiyotaka  Akasaka, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nation, Ambassador Li Baodong, Chinese Consul General in New York, Ambassador Peng Keyu attended the show.  Under Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Kiyotaka  Akasaka collected Prof. Li’s work “Bright Future”.  Ambassador Li Baodong  collectged  “Outstanding  Diplomat”  and  Ambassador Peng Keyu collected  “Pioneer Diplomat”.  Ambassador Ambassador Li Baodong  delivered a warm and generous speech at the show.
      From May 27th to 30th, 2011, Prof. Li held a solo calligraphy exhibition in one of the most prestigious art galleries in China : the National Cultural Hall and Museum of China. There was also a highly praised seminar on Prof. Li: International Calligrapher Master Guodong Li and His Calligraphy.

     From June 10th to 13th, 2011, Prof. Li was invited by the Museum of Military Academy in Yunnan Province, China to hold a calligraphy exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution.  A seminar pertaining Master Li’s calligraphy art was held there as well. This turned out to be a spectacular cultural event in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, China.

    On July 24th, 2011, Master Li  flew back to Bangkok from China to participate in the calligraphy exhibition to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the United Nations.
From  August 23rd to September 2nd, 2011, a joint art exhibition of calligraphy and paintings named “Peace and Love of Master Guodong Li and Renowned Painter Wang Linxu was held in the UN.  Wang, is a also member of CPPCC, a Chinese parliamentary body.  It was a great success. UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon viewed the exhibition with much interest.

    On October 1st, on behalf of the overseas art community ,Prof. Guodong Li attended the state dinner and other events to celebrate the National Day of China in Beijing.

    In October,2011, Master Li’s calligraphy show was held in Baoshan Museum, Yunnan Province. Prof . has been the first man by far who has held solo calligraphy show in that museum.

  On December 9th, 2011, Master Li was invited by Ms.Hailin Lu, President of International Women’s Club, a UN organization, to attend a professional seminar concerning international children’s health.  He met with the keynote speaker,  Under Secretary General of UN and discussed the way to protect underprivileged children and improve their health.
  On December 16th, 2011, Master Li gave a lecture on calligraphy at the invitation of the UN Chinese Book Club.
On December 18th, 2011, Master Li gave a speech to the medical experts in New York at the invitation of the New York Acupuncture Doctors Association.
    In December,2011, Master Li attended several activities held in the Unite Nations and United States.  He won a series of awards as well.
On January 10th , 2012, Ban Ki-moon and Li Guodong met again in the United Nations Headquarters.  Both of them attended the Chinese New Year Celebration Art Exhibition held in the United Nations.  As VIPs for the art show, they were invited to cut the opening ceremony ribbon.  Ban Ki-Moon, himself had a piece of calligraphic work, “Peace” on display.  Li Guodong  had several pieces of calligraphic works on display, such as  "Dragon", "Harmony" and other works.  Ban Ki-Moon collected Li Guodong calligraphy "Longevity".

On June 18th,2012,  Mr.Guodong Li’s 2012 Calligraphy &Art International Tour Show was kicked off in the United Nations. This amazing show was moved to display in Columbia University ,Museum of Chinese Americans in New York and Metro Hall of Toronto, Canada and other places. The main stream press and media were deeply impressed with it and hailed that ”Master Guodong Li has created a new era when people from the United Nations, United States and Canada are fond of learning Chinese calligraphy.
In July, 2012, Prof Li was invited to give lectures to the students and faculty member of the Teahers’ College of Columbia University and  audience and experts of the Museum of Chinese Americans in NYC. The Museum collected a piece of Prof. Li’s : Dragon Flies and Phoenix Dances.
   In August, 2012, Prof. Li held a solo calligraphy exhibition at the Metro Hall of Toronto, Canada.  He was awarded Toronto Honorary Citizenship by the mayor.    

Prof Li and Secretary General of UN Ban Ki moon
Prof Li has some connection to Secretary General of UN Ban Ki moon one way or another. The bridge between the master calligrapher residing in Thailand and SG Ban residing in New York is CALLIGRAPHY!  
    UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon is not only interested in Chinese calligraphy, he himself also can write Chinese characters.  He collected Master Guodong Li’s work “Good Luck” on December 18th, 2010 in New York when he attended the UN Journalist Association’s Award Ceremony.  According some sources , Mr. Ban Ki-moon like this work very much.  
     From  August 23rd to September 2nd, 2011, a joint art exhibition of calligraphy and paintings named “Peace and Love of Master Guodong Li and Renowned Painter Wang Linxu of China was held in the UN.  Wang, is a also member of CPPCC, a Chinese parliamentary body.  UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon viewed the exhibition with much interest.

On December 14th, 2011, Mr. Ban and Master Li met face in face.  They were both invited by the UN Journalist Association to attend the Best Journalist Award Ceremony. Mr. Ban congratulated Master Li that his calligraphic works and achievement introduction were published in the brochure of the UN Journalist Association.  Master Li congratulated Mr. Ban for his second term of office.

On January 10th , 2012, Ban Ki-Moon and Li Guodong met again in the United Nations Headquarters.  Both of them attended the Art Exhibition in Celebration of  the Chinese New Year held in the United Nations.  As VIPs for the art show, they were invited to cut the opening ceremony ribbon together.  Ban Ki-Moon, himself had a piece of calligraphic work, “Peace” on display and Li Guodong  had several pieces of calligraphic works on display, such as "Dragon", "Harmony" and other works.  Ban Ki-Moon collected Li Guodong calligraphy "Longevity".

Remarks of Celebrity on Guodong Li’s Calligraphy
Permanent Representativ of China to the UN, Ambassador Li Baodong says, Prof. Li is an artist with a unique perspective on the Chinese culture and Chinese calligraphy. He has made great achievements in this field. Prof Li'and Lydia Reinhold joint venture in the form of art is a good symbol of friendly cultural exchanges between countries and a fine example of friendly ties between peoples.  Their joinly created art not only champions the ideal that different cultures should respect and learn from each other, and seek common development and prosperity, but also gives vivid expression to the purposes and spirit of the United Nations. It is of great significance and relevance.
Former Chili’s President, the Executive Director of UN Women Mrs. Michelle Bachelet said when she collected Master Li’s work: “Good Luck”. “Good Luck” is such an elegant character that it reminds us of what we are working for, that is to say for the people’s happiness and joy. As a mother and doctor, I sincerely wish every child in this world could grow up joyfully; as the former president of Chili, I will make all my efforts to seek happiness for every family; as Executive Director of UN Women, I wish every woman could feel happy in the world.” Regarding Master Li’s calligraphy exhibition in the UN in 2011 with the theme of “Peace and Love” , Mrs. Bachelet noted: “As for your calligraphy masterpieces at the exhibition , I would like to send my sincere and warmest congratulations. The theme “Peace and Love” is just what the world needs and your masterpieces definitely expressed this significant idea to human beings.”
Ambassador José Filipe Moraes Cabral, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations, noted: Professor Li's unique way of expression of Chinese characters and Lydia's freedom of interpretation to these characters left a deep impression on me. Combining Eastern and Western art elements, they have created a new and unique way to express art. They successfully connect Eastern and Western cultures with their art. In the process of the art creation, through their joint efforts, the goal of mutual respect for different countries and peoples and better understanding has been reached. In this sense, they have made ​​contribution to the world peace and happiness of all peoples.

Super movie star of China,  Mr. Sun Hong Lei collected Master Li’s calligraphy work: “Tiger” on October 10th, 2011.  Mr. Sun was so fond of this extraordinary Chinese character that he wrote “elegant, and awesome” as his impression.

A Stone Monument Installed in His Hometown to Mark His Achievements and Contribution
    A great Buddhist temple was built in Yongping County, Yunnan Province, China some time in 2011, and  a custom-made 17-meter high jade Avalokiteshvara sculpture was transported from Burma to the temple.  Master Guodong Li was asked to write four characters (Da Xiong Bao Dian—Great Treasured Mail Hall) on a huge plaque for  the “Mahavira Hall” .  He was also asked to write two characters “Buddha” and “Zen” on both sides of the walls.

Master Li’s hometown, Dajing Township, Yunlong  County, in Yunnan Province, reconstructed  “Three-Worship Temple”, he wrote two pieced of calligraphy for inscription for the temple: “Limitless Benefits” and” Master of  Clouds”.  As a token of thanks to Master Li for contribution to his hometown, Master Li’s  relatives and fellow county men and women installed a stone monument, which also is intended to mark his great achievements in art and honor he has won for his hometown and motherland , as well as the extraordinary example he has set.

Experts on Prof Li’s Calligraphic Art Works

Master Guo Dong Li’s calligraphic works have caused quite a stir in the communtiy of China’s calligraphy.  According to Professor Bin Zhou of East China Normal University, a Ph. D Supervisor, and a calligraphy research expert, Master Li’s calligraphy highly summarizes Chinese calligraphy’s techniques, with tremendous energy and power in appearance and aesthetics of Han and Tang Dynasties.  I really appreciate Master Li’s calligraphy as a student of calligraphy.  There is an old Chinese saying: Characters one writes represent the character of the person himself”, I can draw a clear picture of the calligrapher simply from his calligraphy.  I would like to invite Master Li to host a solo calligraphy show on my campus, meanwhile giving a lecture to those who are seeking master’s degree or doctor’s degree.  I firmly believe that they will undoubtedly benefit from Master Li.”

According to Jiashan Mu, a Chinese American artist, Master Li’s calligraphic works were natural and graceful in appearance, unrestrained and powerful in nature, which made the audience exited. 
Canadian TV hostess Susan Bar said: “There are no borders in art. Master Li’s works are deeply abundant in aesthetic with either straight or curl characters.  Having seen Master Li’s calligraphy, I felt that Chinese calligraphy is so beautiful and amazing.” 
Former chief violinist from the Central Conservatory of China, Mr.Hu expressed his feelings in this way: “Master Li’s calligraphy truly and deeply touched my heart that I burst into tears when I saw them at the very moment.  I can see the proud temperament of the Chinese nation.  As a Chinese musician, I’m so proud that my country is getting stronger and more powerful.  More artistic masterpieces like Master Li’s should be published or exhibited in order to show the honor  and pride of the Chinese people and let people learn to appreciate the greatness of the Chinese art.”