豐子愷(1898-1975),是五四新文化運動以後,一位多才多藝的新知識份子。他的一生,在繪畫、文學、文藝理論、音樂教育、翻譯、書法等領域裡,都有相當耀眼的成果。 特別是他的漫畫、插圖、封面設計、兒童文學以及散文隨筆,都爲當時的文藝界所熟知。由於受到李叔同的啟發,豐子愷對於音樂、繪畫和藝術知識的普及教育,也有著功不可沒的貢獻。 豐子愷是一位生活的藝術家,貫穿他作品的主要基調,是一份洋溢著赤子情懷的良善與愛心,《護生畫集》的編繪,最能凸顯這份良善的立意與特質。在他長達六十一年的筆耕繪畫生涯中,《護生畫集》的編繪,前後相繼持續了四十六年的時間。 在這漫長的時光中,從第1集五十幅至第6集一百幅,豐子愷歷經了生命中的青年、壯年和老年時期。這長久堅持的背後,那強大支撐的力量,是來自豐子愷對承諾的信守,以及對弘一法師終生不渝的孺慕和感懷。
Feng Tzi-kai (1898-1975) was a talented intellect after the New May 4th Movement. During his lifetime, he had accomplished a great deal in drawing, writing, literary theories, music education, translation, calligraphy, etc. He was most noted for his comic strips, illustrations, cover designs, children's literature, prose and other writings. Inspired by Lee Shu-tung, he dedicated himself to the promulgation of music, drawing, and art, and had had great contributions therein. Feng Tzi-kai was a ”life” artist. The main tune that appearaed throughout his works was simple child-like goodness and love for life. The compilation of Drawings on Animal Protection was the best example of such goodness. Throughout the 61 years of writing and drawing, the compilation of Drawings on Animal Protection persisted for 46 years! During this long process of creation, from the first collection (with 50 drawings) to the sixth (with 100 drawings), Feng Tzi-kai went through his youth, his prime, and his old age. The sustaining power behind the work was his commitment to life and life-protection, and his admiration of and gratitude to the great teacher-Master Hong Yi.