Atelier Towa, Aoi Yamaguchi’s own atelier in Los Angeles, California, offers hands-on Japanese calligraphy workshops and lessons Intimate small-group session will motivate you to learn with peers and let you focus on practicing and improving your skills. Each workshop program is designed to introduce and explore different styles and aspect of the art of Japanese calligraphy. Available sessions will be listed as they are scheduled. Choose a session that suits your level and goals!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
INTRODUCTION TO SHODO:
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR FIRST-TIME BEGINNERS
Learn the Basics of Brushworks through the Meditative Process of Shodo
In this 5-day course of hands-on workshop designed for first-time youth & adult beginners, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: an introduction to a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, Japanese writing system and calligraphy styles, proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be practicing Kanji on hanshi calligraphy paper, with in-depth lectures on basic brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called Kaisho (楷書). By the end of the course, you will complete learning the The Eight Principles of Yong: 8 most common strokes in regular script. We will work on creating a final piece, and focus on the balance between mind and body. You will be familiar with your own brush, and learn how to be present in the moment physically and spiritually stroke by stroke.
SPRING SESSIONS 2025
5-day Course
IN-PERSON
Session 1: SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 2: SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 3: SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 4: SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 5: SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
atelier towa
West Adams District, Los Angles
address provided upon registration
$395
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SPRING SESSIONS 2025
5-day Course
ONLINE
Session 1: SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 2: SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 3: SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 4: SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Session 5: SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm PST
Meet on Zoom
$275
A JOURNEY TO SHODO:
ZEN AND SHO
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR RETURNING STUDENTS
Improve their calligraphy skill and mindfulness through exploring the world of Zen
Shodo is one of the “lifelong studies (生涯学習)” — you can spend your entire life practicing, deepening your knowledge, improving your skill, and essentially pursuing your own style and expressions. These all lead to cultivation of the mind and enrichment of your life. If you enjoy practicing Japanese calligraphy and you would like to practice regularly, both to improve your brush work skills and also develop mindfulness, join our unique classes designed for returning students.
In this monthly series, we will introduce new Zen phrases each month and practice in calligraphy either in Standard Script (楷書: Kaisho) or Regular Script (行書: Gyosho) of your choice based on your skill level. Zen-Go (禅語), or Zen phrases, are words and phrases that concisely express Zen truths. Many of them are derived from Zen classics, anecdotes, and scriptures of high-ranking Zen Buddhist monks. We will take a close look at the meaning of the selected Zen phrase, and instill the teaching into your mind to look deeper into your inner-self. You will learn not only the technical aspect of the calligraphy scripts, but also the unique characteristics of the historical masters who have shaped these beautiful scripts and writing styles, while embracing the philosophy of Zen that inspire the way of life.
* Prerequisite: This workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners and intermediate level, who have completed our Introduction to Shodo: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners, or who have taken at least 3 of our workshops by Aoi Yamaguchi, or for those who have a beginner level of experience with Japanese calligraphy in Japan or by other calligraphy schools.
MARCH SESSIONS
弥生の会
SUNDAYS, MARCH 9 & 30, 2025
10:30AM – 12:00PM PST
at atelier towa
West Adams, Los angeles
$150