苏轼，字子瞻，号东坡居士，是北宋时期著名的文学家、书法家和画家。他不仅在诗词文赋上有着极高的造诣，而且在书画艺术上也有着独树一帜的风格。其中，“东坡画扇”这一典故便是他艺术才华与人格魅力的集中体现。
据传，有一次，一位富商慕名找到苏轼，请他为自己的扇子题字作画。苏轼欣然应允，挥毫泼墨，在扇面上绘下了一幅山水画，并题写了几句诗。然而，这幅作品却让那位富商大失所望。原来，苏轼所画的是一幅极为简朴的山水图，没有过多的装饰和复杂的构图，而题写的诗句也显得平淡无奇。富商认为这样的作品不值钱，甚至怀疑苏轼是否敷衍了事。
面对富商的质疑，苏轼微微一笑，耐心地解释道：“世间万物皆有其本真之美，绘画亦如此。过于繁复反而会掩盖自然之趣。”随后，他又拿起另一把扇子，迅速勾勒出一幅更加简洁明快的画面，并题写道：“此扇虽简，然意趣无穷；观者若能用心体会，则可得其中三昧。”
这段故事流传至今，成为后人学习艺术创作的重要启示。它告诉我们，在追求技艺精湛的同时，更应注重作品内在的精神内涵与情感表达。正如苏轼所言：“外物不足萦怀，内心方得自在。”这种豁达洒脱的人生态度，以及对艺术本质深刻理解，正是苏轼能够超越世俗眼光、成就千古风流的关键所在。
将这个故事翻译成英文可以表述为：
Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, was an outstanding writer, calligrapher and painter during the Northern Song Dynasty in China. He not only excelled in poetry, prose and essays but also had unique artistic styles in calligraphy and painting. Among his many works, the story of "Su Dongpo Painting Fans" highlights both his artistic talent and personal charm.
It is said that once, a wealthy merchant sought out Su Shi, asking him to inscribe words and paint on his fan. Su Shi happily agreed, drawing a simple landscape painting and writing several lines of poetry on it. However, this work greatly disappointed the merchant who felt that such a piece was worthless compared to what he had expected. The merchant thought that perhaps Su Shi had treated the request carelessly.
In response to the merchant's doubt, Su Shi smiled gently and explained patiently: "Everything in the world has its own true beauty; paintings are no exception. Overly complex designs may obscure nature's charm." Then, he picked up another fan and quickly sketched a simpler yet more vivid scene, adding the words: "This fan may be plain, but it contains endless interest; those who can appreciate it will find its essence."
This story has been passed down through generations as an important lesson for those studying art creation. It reminds us that while mastering technical skills is important, we should pay even greater attention to the inner spirit and emotional expression conveyed by our works. As Su Shi put it: "External things need not trouble one’s mind; only then can one achieve inner peace." Such an open-minded and free-spirited attitude towards life, along with profound insights into the essence of art, were key factors enabling Su Shi to surpass worldly judgments and leave behind a legacy that endures throughout history.
