AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

Author: admin

  • New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop at Tortoise General Store

    New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop at Tortoise General Store

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”7710″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.tortoisegeneralstore.com%2Fproducts%2Fcalligraphy-workshop-with-aoi-yamaguchi-january-29th-and-30th%3F_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D8f5de12fa%26_ss%3Dr”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”pb-70 pb-xs-50″][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h2″]

    New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop 2022
    at Tortoise General Store

    [/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, traditionally performed on the second day of January. This event is also called 吉書 (kissho), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu). People write auspicious words or a short Japanese or Chinese poetry, such as haiku or tanka, something that symbolizes one’s wishes for the New Year. In modern times, people simply prefer to choose kanji characters that have positive meanings and one’s resolution for the year.

    Instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi, participants will be writing Kakizome with their choice of words for their wishes for the New Year. We will go over the basics from how to hold the brush to how to control the brush, the balance between the mind and body, understanding the structure and meaning of Japanese characters, and basic brush techniques. For the word choice, we will have a list of auspicious phrases for you to choose from. This one-time workshop of Kakizome invites you to focus on the moment and awareness for self, and renew your spirit for the fresh start of the year!

    The workshop will take place inside and is limited to 5 participants.

    Date and Time:
    Saturday, January 29th 2021
    10:30 am – 12:30 am

    Sunday, January 30th 2021
    9:30 am – 11:30 am

    Location:
    Inside the Tortoise General Store – 12701 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90066

    Safety guidelines:
    Masks will be worn by the instructor and participants.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We will have disposable masks available if needed.

    Age requirement:
    The workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.  Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.

    Materials:
    All calligraphy supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop.  Price of supplies included with the workshop fee.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”pb-140 pb-xs-70″][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”MORE INFO & REGISTERATION” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.tortoisegeneralstore.com%2Fproducts%2Fcalligraphy-workshop-with-aoi-yamaguchi-january-29th-and-30th%3F_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D8f5de12fa%26_ss%3Dr”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners (Online) starting in 2022

    Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners (Online) starting in 2022

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”7694″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fjapanese-calligraphy-shodo-workshop-tickets-234318712577″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners (Online) starting in 2022

     
    Online Japanese calligraphy “shodo” workshop designed for beginners facilitated by Aoi Yamaguchi, focusing on the basic brushworks.
     

    Basics of Japanese Calligraphy
    In this 1.5 hours hands-on workshop, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be introduced to the chosen character for the month, with in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called “Kaisho”. Participants will be practicing on hanshi calligraphy paper, while contemplating on the meaning of the character.

    * The workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners. No prior art experience or knowledge of Japanese language is necessary.
    * Both lessons are designed to practice one selected character for the month, focusing on different part of basic brushworks in each session. It is recommended to take both lessons for continued study. You’re welcome to take just one session to get started!

     

    LECTURE & TEXTS
    * This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi. Original worksheets and handouts in PDF will be provided for participants to print out prior to the session.
    * Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is a plus, but is not necessary.

     

    SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
    Participants are required to prepare their own Japanese calligraphy tools and supplies for the session.

    • Fude: Calligraphy brush, horse hair, medium sized
    • Suzuri or Bokuchi: Ink well
    • Bokuju: Bottled sumi ink, medium condensed
    • Hanshi: Japanese calligraphy Hanshi paper (W24.3cm x H33.4cm)
    • Mousen: Calligraphy felt pad for hanshi
    • Bunchin: Paper weights
    • Worksheets printouts (PDF will be provided via the email prior to the session)

    January Sessions:
    睦月の会

    Saturday January 8th, 2022, 10:00am – 11:30am PST
    Saturday January 22nd, 2022, 10:00am – 11:30am PST

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Register Classes” style=”classic” shape=”square” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fjapanese-calligraphy-shodo-workshop-tickets-234318712577″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • “SEASONS” Calligraphy Workshop September at Tortoise General Store in Venice, CA

    “SEASONS” Calligraphy Workshop September at Tortoise General Store in Venice, CA

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

     

    “SEASONS” Calligraphy Workshop September at Tortoise General Store in Venice, CA

     

    ‘Seasons’ is a calligraphy workshop that focuses on the beauty of nature, and the seasonal transitions we go through captured in poetry.

    During this unique hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to classic haiku poems using the chosen kigo (seasonal word) for September, themed in the beginning of Autumn. You will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, through the meditative calligraphy process, finding the balance between the mind and body. The instructor will go over the basics: how to use the brush and materials, proper posture, getting to know with Japanese paper and Sumi ink, and basic calligraphy strokes. Participants will practice the chosen kigo on hanshi paper, inspired by the haikus introduced during the session.

    The workshop will take place inside and is limited to 5 participants.


    Date and Time:
    Saturday September 25th, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:30 am

    Sunday September 26th, 2021
    9:30 am – 11:30 am

    Location:
    Inside the Tortoise General Store – 12701 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90066

    Safety guidelines:
    Masks will be worn by the instructor and participants.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We will have disposable masks available if needed.

    Age requirement:
    The workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.  Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.

    Materials:
    All calligraphy supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop.  Price of supplies included with the workshop fee.


     

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”MORE DETAILS & REGISTRATION” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.tortoisegeneralstore.com%2Fproducts%2Fcalligraphy-workshop-with-aoi-yamaguchi-september-25th-26th-2021″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop October 2021 at Tortoise General Store

    “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop October 2021 at Tortoise General Store

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop October 2021
    at Tortoise General Store

    Join me explore the world of haiku themed in autumnal beauty and melancholy — pleased to announce the October sessions of Japanese calligraphy workshop “Seasons” at @tortoisegeneralstore in Venice, CA.

    During this unique hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to classic haiku poems using the chosen kigo (seasonal word) for October, themed in the transient beauty of Autumn. 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 use the brush and other calligraphy articles, how to use Japanese gasen paper and Sumi ink, proper posture, and learn basic calligraphic brushwork. Participants will practice the chosen kigo on hanshi paper, inspired by the haikus introduced during the session.

    Date and Time:
    Saturday October 23rd, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:30 pm

    Sunday October 24th, 2021
    9:30 am – 11:30 am

  • “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop Summer 2021 at Tortoise General Store in Venice, California

    “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop Summer 2021 at Tortoise General Store in Venice, California

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”7649″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.tortoisegeneralstore.com%2Fproducts%2Faoi-calligraphy-workshop%3Fvariant%3D40200016855215″ margin_top=”15px” margin_bottom=”30px”][vc_column_text text_color=”#000000″ letter_spacing=”1px”]

    “SEASONS” Japanese Calligraphy Workshop Summer 2021
    at Tortoise General Store

    [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’m very excited to announce my upcoming calligraphy workshop at Tortoise General Store (@tortoisegeneralstore) this summer! It’s been a long overdue since I taught in-person workshop last. This will be my first group workshop to teach since I moved here in Venice, CA. I’m going to teach two sessions, for an intimate sized group of adults and kids, of my “Seasons” series – that focuses on the beauty of nature, and the seasonal transitions we go through captured in poetry. I’m so grateful and excited to share this “Seasons” series and the beauty of Japanese calligraphy in an intimate setting with our favorite Tortoise General Store here in Venice!

    During this unique hands-on workshop, I will be introducing classic haiku poems themed for summer. Participants will practice the chosen kigo (seasonal word) on regular hanshi paper first, inspired by some haikus introduced during the session, and then write on a blank Japanese uchiwa fan as a final piece for a little souvenir to take home!

    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, getting to know with Japanese paper and Sumi inks.

    The workshop for kids will take place outside and is limited to 3 participants, ages 6 to 15.  The workshop for adults will take place inside and is limited to 5 participants.

    Date and Time:

    Kid’s Workshop
    Saturday July 31st, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:30 pm

    Adult Workshop
    Sunday August 1st, 2021
    9:30 am – 11:30 am

    Location:
    Tortoise General Store – 12701 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90066

    Materials:
    All calligraphy supplies and materials will be provided for you to work on Japanese calligraphy during the workshop.  Price of supplies included with the workshop fee.

    Limited seats. Please register here:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”MORE DETAILS & REGISTRATION HERE” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”inverse” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.tortoisegeneralstore.com%2Fproducts%2Faoi-calligraphy-workshop%3Fvariant%3D40200016855215″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • “Brush & No Brush” – featuring talks by Aoi Yamaguchi & Red Hongyi on Stay Curious by Beyond Tellerand

    “Brush & No Brush” – featuring talks by Aoi Yamaguchi & Red Hongyi on Stay Curious by Beyond Tellerand


    I picked up my first calligraphy brush when I was 6, in a small town in Hokkaido, Japan, and I still hold calligraphy brush, now so many different ones with many stories with each one, on the other side of the globe.

    Traveling across the world with my brushes, I have been on a journey to express and communicate my voice, poetry, visions, music, cultural heritage, identity – and leaning lasting traces on blank papers.

    I’ll be speaking about my journey with my brushes on Stay Curious Café @staycurio.us by @btconf hosted by Marc Thiele, along with amazing @redhongyi, who’s known as “the artist paints without a paintbrush”.

    April 7th at 8am Los Angeles Time / 5pm Berlin Time / 11pm Malaysia Time.

    For more info & registration: http://btco.nf/staycurious15

  • 拓 – Cultivate – New Year 2021

    拓 – Cultivate – New Year 2021

    「拓」(hiraku) – cultivate / pave the way –

    Happy New Year!

    On New Year’s Day, the sky was clear – my family and I went to a state park for a morning hike, took a deep breath overlooking the coastline of Santa Monica to Venice, and renewed my spirit for the New Year.

    Kakizome, the New Year calligraphy, is traditionally held on January 2nd in the solar calendar. This year as well, following the tradition, I drew water on the New Year’s Day to prepare Wakamizu (若水 – the first water drawn from the well on New Year’s Day) and rubbed the Sumi ink, and I wrote a piece with the intention of bracing my mind and body.

    My character for the new year calligraphy “Kakizome” for 2021 is 「拓」(hiraku), which means to cultivate, or to pave the way. From the last year’s resolution「歩」(ayumu), we as a family have walked together a long but magical way, hand in hand. I want this year to be the year we cultivate, nurture and explore further, even it may feel challenging at times. I want to keep challenging myself to find new expressions, and most importantly, to *enjoy* the changes — in the environment, in our daily life, in the society, and the world.

    *

    新年開けましておめでとうございます。

    元日は家族で州立公園へハイクに行き、サンタモニカ・ベニスの海岸線を見下ろす小高い山の上で深呼吸、快晴の朝の清々しさに心洗われる思いで新年への心意気を新たにして来ました。

    新暦1月2日に行う、書初め。今年も、伝統に倣い、元日に汲んで一日お供えした若水で墨を擦り、身も心も引き締める思いで一字したためました。

    今年の一字は、「拓」。

    去年の「歩」で、家族で手を取り合って歩み進めてきた道を、今年は更に開拓していきたい。制作活動も、心地よいリズムを探りながら、また今までにない表現を探求していきたい。新しい環境も、日々の変化も、変動する世界も、新たな繋がりも、楽しんでゆけるように。

    今年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。

  • The Year 2020.

    The Year 2020.

    2020 has flown by, in the most dramatic but monotonous, challenging yet creative way. Our sense of time has changed, our ways of connecting shifted.

    For me, it was also a year of searching for the balance between motherhood and creative work. As Shion grows, I have been able to find small windows of time where I can hold my brush, calm my mind and listen to my heart in silence. From this summer, I have been taking projects — at much slower pace — but it’s been such a delight to be able to work on my art and connect with people through its process. It restores my inner balance, and brings so much joy in this new way of life that we’re all maneuvering through. I have memorable moments with each of those pieces I’ve worked on — thank you all for your love and support, it makes me truly feel whole.

    2021, new year brings new light — in the new space, searching for new words and facing new works, I hope to nurture and grow more as a person, as an artist and a mother.

    ＿

    流れるように過ぎていった、2020年。環境が変わり、気候も変わり、世界も大きく変動して、「時」の感覚が、大きく変わった一年でもありました。子育てと制作、そのバランスを探る一年でもありました。

    志響の成長とともに、筆を持つ時間を少しづつ作ることが出来るようになり、この夏頃から、お仕事もゆっくりと再開。手掛けさせていただいた作品一つ一つに、心に残る瞬間があります。心を鎮めて、心の聲を聴き、筆を伝い自分と向き合う時間をもつということが、こんなに難しく、また愛おしいと思ったことはなかったと思います。

    2021年は、また新しい空間・ことば・作品と向き合いながら、人として、母として、成長出来る一年にしていきたいと思っています。

  • Atelier Towa moving to LA

    Atelier Towa moving to LA

    New year, new place — I’m moving to Los Angeles in February.

    Bay Area, I will miss you dearly.

    I’ve lived in San Francisco Bay Area for 16 years, it’s my second home, full of wonderful memories. Here at my Atelier Towa in Berkely, I’ve shared unforgettable times with many people, holding brushes to search for inner peace together. Thank you all for those who visited me here for workshops, lessons and creative projects. I am moving my atelier and planning to resume my practice at a new location in the west side of LA, where the sun is bright and warm, not too far from the ocean breeze.

    Stay tuned for updates with Atelier Towa!

  • 歩 (Ayumi) -steps- : New Year 2020

    歩 (Ayumi) -steps- : New Year 2020

    歩 (Ayumi) – steps –

    We welcomed the new year 2020 in my hometown in snowy Hokkaido, and finally I had a moment to hold my brush with a little help from my family. My character for the new year calligraphy “kakizome” for this year is 「歩」(Ayumi).

    Last year, as we welcomed a new addition to our family, I jumped into a new stage of life that embraced new challenges as a mother, as a wife, and as an artist. This year, we are expecting a whole new chapter with big changes to come. New environment, new encounters, new culture, scenery, the sun and the air — Just how my baby boy is making baby steps in his growth day by day, we are making small progress every day. I hold my baby’s adorable tiny hand as he drift off into his slumber, and my heart is filled with so much love and warmth, and excitement for many steps we walk together in our lives, hand in hand.

    I look forward to share this path I walk together with you, anywhere we go in the world.