Hello and welcome! This is my first blog post and I hope you’ll find it an interesting read.
I thought it would be nice to tell you all about my first ever artist-led workshop that took place on the 9th July 2022!
The Art of Shodō: An Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy workshop took place at the De La Warr Pavilion, an amazing arts and entertainment venue positioned on the coastline in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex . My workshop included a tour of Tokyo-based artist Minoru Nomata's Windscape exhibition. I covered aspects of Nomata's life and work, looking specifically at the architectural and artistic influences present in his paintings. I drew particular attention to Ascending Descending - 3 (2018), as his gallery described the rising sphere from the ocean depths as a primordial force possessing an "airy or ki energy". I used this moment to talk about the kanji ki - 気, and it's significance within Japanese culture. Later on, everyone had the opportunity to try out there newly found calligraphy skills to write this particular kanji. It's not the easiest one to start out with for a complete beginner, so I was very proud that my participants gave it a go!
After the tour, I gave a short presentation on the history and tools used within the art of shodō. I also talked about two master calligraphers who I enjoy following on social media, Mitsuru Nagata and Akemi Lucas. I admire both calligraphers for their skills and approach to their shodō practice. It later turned out that two of the participants had seen Lucas in person, who performed live at Kew Gardens! It was lovely to hear about their experience, viewing a large-scale calligraphy artwork being created before their very eyes!
Now it was time to get practising! I demonstrated the 8 basic brush strokes that make up kanji calligraphy, and everyone had a go using water and brush on magic mats! The beauty of these mats is that you can keep practising on the same mat, as the brush strokes soon disappear! Many saw this as an eco-friendly way to practise without going through lots of paper.
Everyone soon grew in confidence and were prepared to used sumi (Japanese ink) on washi (paper)! Below are some of the kanji the participants could choose to practise. These ranged from easy to not so easy!
力 - Power
心 - Heart, Mind, Spirit
功 - Success
永 - Eternity
気 - Spirit, Mind, Essence
夢 - Dream
I guided and demonstrated where necessary, but I soon knew when to step back to let everyone experience their own mindful moments. I could see the focus and quiet energy that resulted in beautiful brush calligraphy and for me this was a very special moment.
By the end of the workshop, everyone had attempted lots of different kanji and I was inspired by their openness to trying an artform that was completely new to them. I praised and thanked everyone for participating, explaining that it was my very first artist-led workshop. I was touched by their appreciation and it was lovely to see that some of those who participated were interested in continuing their own shodō journeys. I was more than happy to recommend the calligraphy books and materials that I use at home.
Thank you to all those who took part, and special thanks to all the De La Warr Pavilion team who had faith in me as an artist! I will always see this as a significant moment in my own artistic journey.
Photography courtesy of Billy Collins and Luke Furminger.
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