Sounds of the Earth.
Breathing of my child.
Heartbeat of mine.
All in the rhythm of life.
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Photo by May Xiong
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Our first child. Growing day by day inside of me, aspiring to see the world. I wanted to memorize this precious moment of our lives. I immediately thought of my friend May Xiong to take my maternity photos. May and I did a conceptual photo shoot together back in September 2012, inspired by the theme of one of my projects, unibirth. Unibirth, a conceptual performance with music and dance I did in San Francisco in 2012, celebrates the reincarnation of lives that exist in nature and signifies the infinite cycle of the universe. When I started to contemplate on the idea of my maternity photo shoot, I felt that my pregnancy embodies the concept of “unibirth” in real life; I had visions of myself wrapped in the fabric I painted during the performance, standing somewhere in a tranquil forest, embracing the moment of the awakening of a new life.
May kindly accepted my wish for this maternity photo shoot, and flew in from Seattle. May and I celebrated our reunion after 6 years, and revisited wonderful memories together. My husband Ben, May and I into the woods, trying to find a magical spot for the shoot in the morning of June 16th. I could only walk so slowly on the hilly path, carrying so much weight in this belly. The air was so fresh, smell of lush green and ambient light of the morning through the woods soothed me during the hike. I could feel my baby moving, kicking and hiccuping, as if he’s also enjoying the power of nature.
This photo was taken during the 34th week of my pregnancy, one day before my birthday in Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, California.
Atelier Towa will be closed for all commissions, lessons, and workshops while on maternity leave from July 1st, as I am expecting our first baby in late July, until I find good balance in my motherhood.
In the past 7 months, it has been a wonderful journey teaching lessons and workshops as I feel my baby grow in my belly — meeting new faces, and seeing wonderful progress in some of the dedicated students. Seeing you all grow encourages me to grow to be a better teacher, artist and an individual — we all grow together. Looking forward to seeing everyone again once I get back to practice!
Please check back on our website later this year, for any updates and announcements for new projects and workshops. I will make an announcement when I decide to resume my practice and start taking projects. It is important to me and my family to cherish this precious time together. In the meantime, please feel free to follow me on instagram at @aoi_gm, I’ll be sharing my new journey with our baby from time to time!
For all inquiries (commissions, performances, workshops, lessons…), please contact us later in the fall. Please excuse me for any delay in response in advance!
For April session, the seasonal word for the month is “春燈” (Shun-toh), meaning “Spring Light”.
On the warm spring day, a gentle warmth of the evening light gives you a feeling of nostalgia. You find a luscious elegance in the dimly lit lights of homes, lanterns under the roof, or street lights along the river, illuminating through the spring haze. You will write “春燈” (Shun-toh) in your choice of writing style, inspired by selected Japanese classic haiku poems themed in Spring Light.
During this unique hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to classic haiku poems themed in Spring Light, which will inspire you to imagine the moments with spring light in different era. 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 lecture will guide you through 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.
Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.
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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]
ATELIER TOWA, BERKELEY, CA Saturday April 27, 11am – 1pm
Saturday March 2nd | 11am – 1pm
Saturday April 13th | 11am – 1pm
Saturday May 4th | 11am – 1pm
[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After the days of rejuvenating rain, we finally starting to see the sun coming through the window, and plum trees are beautifully blooming in our neighborhood here in Berkeley. Long-awaited Spring is slowly approaching! The Spring schedule of Japanese calligraphy workshops are now up and waiting for you to join. My motto for workshop is the feeling of “愉し” (tanoshi) – joy – for the learning, process and your progress (and even the struggles!), especially when you are starting something new. Let this Spring the new beginning!
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Finding Balance with Japanese Calligraphy In this 2 hours hands-on workshop, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy writing techniques, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with a brief lecture on the history of Japanese calligraphy and Japanese writing system, followed by the basics: proper use of the brush and other tools, posture and manners, unique characteristics of Japanese gasen-shi paper and sumi inks. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental calligraphy writing techniques, focusing on the formal Regular Script “Kaisho” or semi-cursive script “Gyosho” on selected Japanese kanji characters, which will be provided for you to choose one from, depending on their skill level and preference. Participants will be practicing and making their own calligraphy artwork on hanshi*-sized calligraphy paper, while contemplating on the meaning of chosen character. The workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners. No prior art experience or knowledge of Japanese language is necessary.
* Each session is designed to complete one selected character of your choice. You’re welcome to join just one session to get started, or multiple sessions to practice more!
[vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”7329″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]「結」(yui • musubi) - the knot / to connect / to tie
Welcome 2019, Happy New Year!
After surviving through sickness until the New Year’s Eve, finally I can hold my brush again and I feel refreshed and energized for this year ahead. We had a annual New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” workshop yesterday, with lovely families and some new faces – thank you all for those who attended! Inspired by the positive energies around us, I’ve written my own Kakizome, “結” (the knot / to connect / to tie) with all my warm thoughts for the year.
“糸” (thread) combined with “吉” (auspiciousness, good fortune) makes the kanji character of “結”. Traditionally, “吉” symbolizes a shape of vessel (口) to place a ritual prayer with an battle axe (士) on top to protect the power of the wishes. Together with 糸, “結” means to make your wish come true and protect the auspiciousness by making a strong knot. Later on, the character also come to have meanings such as “to connect” two threads, “to tie” a knot or “to promise”, and “to strengthen” your wishes or determination.
In the past year, with my motto for the year “織”, I’ve been weaving an unique pattern with countless meaningful encounters around the world. My wish for this year is to “結”; to tie the ends of the threads, to memorize each moment more firmer than ever – and to cherish my time with my family, friends and loved ones. It’s my utmost happiness to share the joy and seeing smiles through calligraphy art. I hope that this circle of happiness will grow along with the number of knots we make as we embrace every encounter, every goal we aim and achieve together.
Wishing you all good health, happiness and success in the coming year!
I’m in Violet Japan Issue 04: Ever As Just Sure. I’m flattered to be part of this beautiful issue with talented women around the world with visions and powerful voices. It’s encouraging and empowering to learn other female artists’ views on the idea of gender and social status in their creative fields. It made me reevaluate the importance of what I do as a female calligrapher. Thank you Yuki Uenaka & Kaori Nishida for your visit to my studio all the way from Tokyo!
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雑誌 Violet Japan Issue 04: Ever As Just Sureに、インタビューが掲載されました。
Violet Book Japan はロンドンを拠点とする、ファッション＆カルチャー女性誌Violetの日本版。ファッションという視点からでなく、現代の女性達の自由な在り方や、内面を引き出したいというモットーのもと作られている、「女性による女性のための」素敵な雑誌です。どんな分野においても、女性が自分らしく、強く逞しく、生き生きとしている姿は素敵だなと思います。
Next week, I’m going to Valletta, the capital of Malta where was chosen as this year’s European Capital of Culture, for their Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme. I was invited to be part of Island Lights, a contemporary art exhibition and performances featuring Japanese artists and Maltese artists inspired by the theme “Light and Dark”, with my installation along with Yang02, Akiko Nakayama and HOUXO QUE representing Japan, and local talents I+A and Jean-Luc Portelli. This exhibition was curated in collaboration with GROUNDRIDDIM. The event and exhibition runs for the weekend starting from Friday, November 2nd until Saturday, November 3rd, 2018. I will be painting on my installation live on the opening night of November 2, at 7pm.
“The core concept and theme of Island Lights revolves around Light and the part it plays in Japan’s cultural identity as well as the lives of its people. In doing so, some of the differences and similarities between Japanese and Maltese culture and traditions can be highlighted as part of the event.
At its core, the event is a celebration and showcase of this vital, integral role Light plays in Japanese culture. By presenting it to a Maltese audience, it can also serve to highlight certain similar or contrasting aspects of our local experiences with it.” — European Capital of Culture
Looking forward to visit the island and find its unique 陰翳 (shadows).
If you happen to find yourself in Malta… please come say hi!
Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme Island Lights
European Capital of Culture
curated by GROUNDRIDDIM
02 NOV 2018 – 03 NOV 2018
at DAR QALB TA’ ĠESÙ, SANTA VENERA
Free Entrance
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Upcoming Live Performances at nowJapan 2018 in Vilnius, Lithuania
[/rs_special_text][vc_column_text]I’m excited to announce my upcoming conceptual live calligraphy performances at nowJapan2018, the largest Japanese cultural festival in the Baltic region, in Vilnius, Lithuania on September 8th – 9th, 2018.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary of the festival and 100 years anniversary of the independence of Lithuania this year, nowJapan will take place in the central part of Vilnius – The Old Town, the UNESCO-inscribed one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. The cobble stones, narrow streets, old palaces, countless churches in Baroque architecture — It has been inspiring to explore the city, learn the history, feel the culture here in Lithuania and I am excited and very curious see how the modern and traditional Japanese culture is be celebrated with people in the Baltic States in this historical part of the Vilnius.
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I will be performing with dancers from Dance Theater PADI DAPI Fish, a Lithuanian contemporary dance company based in Klaipėda, accompanied by Marius Sakavičius, Vilnius-based cellist, and original sound composition by Corey Fuller, Tokyo-based sound artist on both days, on September 8th and 9th at Vilniaus Rotušė (Vilnius Town Hall). This performance will be an unique collaboration of Japanese calligraphy, Lithuanian contemporary dancers and music, celebrating the cultural heritage and its evolution in modern society. Inspired by the idea of independence, this collaborative performance explores the stages of our lives to search for “self” in three segments: journeys through the past, the present, and the awakening. Through the collaborative process, I aim to seek and learn how the idea of individual, community, society, and country differs from one another, and shares the similar value with one another, and to transform this cultural discourse into an artistic expression.
I will also be giving a talk about Japanese calligraphy and my creative process on Saturday at Philharmonic Hall, and teaching calligraphy workshop on Sunday at Town Hall.
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SCHEDULE
[/rs_special_text][vc_column_text]Saturday, September 8
13:00-13:20 Performance (Vilniaus Rotušė):
Aoi Yamaguchi x PADI DAPI Fish, Marius Sakavičius, Corey Fuller
16:00-16:45 Keynote Presentation (Philharmonic Hall)
Sunday, September 9
14:00-14:20 Performance (Philharmonic Hall):
Aoi Yamaguchi x PADI DAPI Fish, Marius Sakavičius, Corey Fuller
15:30-17:00 Calligraphy Workshop (Rotušė: Kamerinė salė #1)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h3″]ARTISTS[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][rs_image_block image=”7166″][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Dance company “PADI DAPI Fish” contemporary dance
Dance company “PADI DAPI Fish” – theater professionals working in the contemporary dance field creating dance and music performances, immersive theater, site-specific performances, promenade performances, dance education projects and theater laboratories. The highest professional theater scene awards winners, who have been working as a company in Klaipėda for six years expanded their geography to many countries abroad. We speak the universal language of dance, unrestricted by any censorship or political, cultural, ethnic, religious or social boundaries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][rs_image_block image=”7200″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Marius Sakavičius cello, improvisation
MariusDominykasSakavičius was born in 1994, graduated National M. K. Čiurlionis school of arts cello speciality in teachers‘Romanas Armonas class. He is currently studying third course of bachelor in Vytautas Magnus UniversityMusic Academy in lectors‘ Ramutė Kalnėnaitė class. Marius has won prized places in various national Lithuanian and international competitions, played as a soloist with St. Christopher chamber orchestra, National M. K. Čiurlionis school of arts symphonic orchestra, West Bohemian symphonic orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra Hradec Králove. He has worked on some projects on pop stage, and also performed with Dance Company“PADI DAPI Fish.”The young cellist likes to play electric base, improvise and compose music.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”7172″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Corey Fuller original sound composition
Born in the US and raised in Japan, Corey Fuller is a musician and multimedia artist from Tokyo, Japan. Growing up between several different cultures and traveling extensively as a child have made geography and a sense of place major components of Fuller’s music. His work is a slow and gradual music composed of infinitesimal details comprised of processed and delicately treated acoustic instruments, field recordings, and other sound sources. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Fuller finds his collaborations with other artists invaluable. Known for his work as ILLUHA on 12k, he has collaborated with musicians Ryuichi Sakamoto, Taylor Deupree, Simon Scott (Slowdive), Stephan Mathieu, Marcus Fischer and others on releases and tours, as well as with visual artists, choreographers, fashion designers, poets, filmmakers and architects. 2018 will see the release of a duo album with Taylor Deupree as well as Fuller’s new long anticipated solo album on 12k.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h3″ font_size=”35px” font_color=”#141414″]Featured Interview by LAMŲ SLĖNĮS[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Labas, Lietuva!
My interview is featured in LAMŲ SLĖNĮS, a beautiful Lithuanian culture magazine, while I’m getting ready for my upcoming show in Vilnius, Lithuania in September. This year, Lithuania is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence – Act of Reinstating Independence of Lithuania was signed in February 1918. I came to learn that there are various cultural events, festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year, and I am honored to be invited to share my art and our culture with people in Lithuania. I’m excited to set my foot in the Baltic States this fall for the first time, and celebrate this special occasion together. More details to be announced, so please stay tuned!
The article is written in Lithuanian. Please visit the site from the link below to read the online version of the magazine.
I’ll be in the July 2018 issue, keep flipping through, you’ll find me in the pages from p.186 – 191.
Iki pasimatymo! See you in Vilnius![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”READ THE INTERVIEW” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flamuslenis.lt%2Fzurnalas%2F18%2F07%2Fissue|||” css=”.vc_custom_1533261731577{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][rs_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h3″ font_size=”35px” font_color=”#141414″]Interview Featured in The Design Kids[/rs_special_text][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Design Kids is creating and extending a network of such powerful and vibrant design community around the world. The adventurous founder of TDK, Frankie Ratford and I met at -ing Creatives Festival in Dubai back in April, and we shared an amazing times together at the conference. It’s amazing how the world is getting smaller and smaller, and how we can stay in touch over the internet world, wherever we are on this planet.
For their featured artists’ interview, they asked me some fun questions. While talking about my “earliest creative memories”, it took me to all the memories of my childhood in Hokkaido, and it was hard to make it into a nice and sweet, short answer… but yes, what I’m doing now and 5-6 years old self are almost the same, maybe a little grown-up version. Living now in Berkeley, California, I miss Hokkaido so much. I’m so blessed and so fortunate to have these opportunities to share my little fantasies with everyone, including you, who’s reading this. Thank you for stopping by, I really appreciate your time. Ok, it’s time to go back to the nature for me now, I’m going to camping tomorrow into the wilderness of California.
The interview is now online. Have a read if you have a moment![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”READ THE INTERVIEW” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1533084118037{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][rs_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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I will be performing with dancers from Dance Theater PADI DAPI Fish, a Lithuanian contemporary dance company based in Klaipėda, accompanied by Marius Sakavičius, Vilnius-based cellist, and original sound composition by 
