Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners
季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ 「SEASONS」
SEASONS op. 04
April: Hatsu-zakura – Season’s First Cherry Blossom –
4月 卯月 – 「初桜」の会
SEASONS is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.
For April session, you will write your choice of seasonal words from selected Japanese classic haiku poems, themed in “Hatsu-zakura” meaning “Season’s First Cherry Blossom.” The warmth of spring is punctuated by the first cherry blossoms. Pleasant breeze brings you the fragrance of the spring, as the cherry blossoms dance in the loving sunlight in full bloom. Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.
During this hands-on workshop, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, through the meditative calligraphy process finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, proper posture, how to take care of tools and materials, gettting to know with Japanese paper and sumi inks.
You will be introduced to the fundamental calligraphy writing techniques and beautiful and formal Regular Script Kaisho or semi-cursive script Gyosho on selected Japanese Kanji characters depending on your skill level. You will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on hanshi*-sized calligraphy paper, and will have nice pieces of artwork to take home with at the end of the workshop.
This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.
DATE
Sunday, April 9th 11am – 1pm
Saturday, April 29 11am – 1pm
LECTURE & TEXTS
This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts will be provided.
Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary.
SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Basic supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop. The first 20 sheets of calligraphy paper are included per class. Additional paper is available for purchase.