AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

Category: Calligraphy

“静と動 -Stillness and Motion-” for 48 PILLARS

I’ll be showing my new calligraphy art pieces, “静と動 – Stillness and Motion-“, created for a “structural constraint” group exhibition titled “48 PILLARS” featuring 24 artists held at Arc Gallery; opening reception is next Saturday March 11th from 7pm.

Japanese Calligraphy is a unique art form in that it seeks to deconstruct, rearrange and infuse existing linguistic elements into a a physical expression of an idea.

My idea was to work on a set of words that with contrasting meanings but whose vertically-shaped characters compliment each other and the rectangular panels that house them. Choosing characters with this shape allows me to focus the energy of the composition from the top of the panel to the bottom and beyond. Traditionally, Japanese reads from right to left: from the right “静 (Stillness)”, and to the left “動 (Motion)”.

The chemistry between tanboku (light-colored sumi ink) and Japanese gasen paper is vivid and magical. From the moment the ink touches the paper, the ink fuses with paper and ripples out. With the right balance of water and sumi written in an unbroken motion, clear brush stroke edges emerge as the water evaporates. I chose warm black sumi to work on this piece, which, when mixed with the right amount of water, leaves behind hues of gray that illuminate the distinction between light and shadow.

Stillness is clear, graceful and light; Motion is blurred, dynamic and bold. Together, it completes the world of light and shadow, and neither exists without the other.

_

48 PILLARS
Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 11th, 7-9PM

Artists Talk and Closing Reception:
Saturday, April 15th, 12-3PM

Arc Gallery
1246 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA

“24 local Bay Area artists will produce two pieces each on these identically sized panels that will exactly ring the gallery – 48 works total.

This is the second exhibition at Arc Gallery that is essentially a “structural constraint” show. The other exhibition is our iconic annual, end of summer exhibition, FourSquared. In both exhibitions, the artists are unconstrained in subject matter except to the extent that works need to be a series; but they are constrained in format. It should be visually stunning. ”

– Michael Yochum, Curator

Featured artists: Jason Avery, Lexie Bouwsma, Elaine Coombs, Robin Denevan, Sara Dykstra, Kim Frohsin, Paul Gibson, Christine Aria Hostetler & Joel Daniel Phillips, Kay Kang, Bruce Katz, Joshua Young Lee, Katja Leibenath, Saundra Mcpherson, Erika Meriaux, Annamarie Pabst, Silvia Poloto, Gail Ragains, Rachel Sager, Kirsten Tradowsky, Beth Davila Waldman, Ealish Wilson, John Wood, Sandra Yagi, Aoi Yamaguchi.

Invite your friends

March 3, 2017
SEASONS 02: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for February 「春時雨」-Spring Shower-

Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners

季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ「SEASONS」

SEASONS op. 02
February: Harushigure – Spring Shower –

2月如月 – 「春時雨」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 February session, themed in “Harushigure” meaning “Spring shower,” we will savor the beauty of light and shadow found in the moments with the cold rain shower at the end of Winter, transitioning slowly to the Springtime – as we write your choice of seasonal word from Japanese classic haiku poems.

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, and you will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on “hanshi”*-sized calligraphy paper, and on a shikishi board for the final piece! You will have a nice piece of artwork to take home at the end of the workshop.

This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.

DATE
Saturday February 11th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm
Saturday February 25th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm

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.

Supplies and materials provided for workshop:
• Calligraphy brush – Fude（筆）
• Bottled Sumi ink （墨）
• Ink well – Suzuri（硯）
• Calligraphy Hanshi Paper “Tosa” (土佐)
– *Hanshi size: H13.15″ x W9.5″
• Felt fabric – Gin Moh-sen (銀毛氈）
• Paperweight – Bun-chin（文鎮）
• Calligraphy Artwork Folder
• Self-study guide handouts

Bring your own:
• Dark colored clothes or aprons that you don’t mind getting ink on.
• Open-minded enthusiasm!

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February 1, 2017
Seasons 01: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for January 「冬霞」 -Winter Mist-

Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners

季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ「SEASONS」

SEASONS op. 01
January: Fuyukasumi – Winter Mist –

1月睦月 – 冬霞の会

季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ、始めます。

激動の渦中にいる心をやすめて、筆を持って言葉の世界を楽しみながら、ほっと一息つきませんか。

カリフォルニアという、四季の移り変わりが緩やかな土地に住んでこそ、日本文化の趣は四季とともにあり、日本の自然風景の美しさと、そこに息づくひとびとの自然を愛でる心が、詩を生むのだと感じます。そこで、俳句や短歌、詩などから浮かぶ情景を味わいながら、選んだ言葉を書で表現して愉しむ時間をつくりたいな、と思いました。

「SEASONS」第一弾は、1月睦月 – 『冬霞』の会。
みなさまお誘い合わせの上、是非ご参加ください。

SEASONS is a series of monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured and expressed in poetry.

For January session, themed in “Fuyukasumi” meaning “winter mist,” we will embrace beauty in the cold winter – imagining a vast landscape and mountains covered in glowing silver white with misted skyline – writing your choice of seasonal Japanese word selected from Japanese classic literature.

During this hands-on workshop, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy “Shodo” skills, meditative calligraphy process and finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, posture, how to take care of tools and materials, gettting to know with Japanese gasen 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 kanjicharacters depending on your skill level, and you will be practicing and making your own calligraphy artwork on “hanshi”*-sized calligraphy paper.

This workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.

DATE
Saturday January 28th, 2017 11am – 1:00pm

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.

TOOLS & MATERIALS
Basic tools 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.

Tools and materials provided for workshop:
• Calligraphy brush – Fude（筆）
• Bottled Sumi ink （墨）
• Ink well – Suzuri（硯）
• Calligraphy Hanshi Paper “Tosa” (土佐)
– *Hanshi size: H13.15″ x W9.5″
• Felt fabric – Gin Moh-sen (銀毛氈）
• Paperweight – Bun-chin（文鎮）
• Calligraphy Artwork Folder
• Self-study guide handouts

Bring your own:
• Dark colored clothes or aprons that you don’t mind getting ink on.
• Open-minded enthusiasm!

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Photo is taken in Hokkaido, Japan, January 2017.

January 24, 2017
暁 – HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!

At dawn

A gleam of dreamy light radiates,

Dwelling in a sweet slumber

Horizon is realized by the voices of amber

Day is awoken with kisses by the birds

Let the Sunlight unfold your new morning,

Let you discover what shines within you.

暁の時

甘い眠りにうつろい微睡む

一縷のひかりが差し拡がる

地平線は琥珀色の吐息に染まり

日は鳥たちのさえずりに恋して囁く、

暁照らす新たな朝への目覚めが

あなたのなかの耀きの発見でありますよう。

新年あけましておめでとうございます。

2017年の幕開けは、砂漠のJoshua Treeにて迎えました。

誰かが作った道のない荒野では、

自分の好奇心の赴くままに、歩き続けるのみでした。

見たい景色を求めて、そこへ向かってゆくのみでした。

誰が教えてくれるわけでなく、自ら渡る岩を選んで、自ら道を切り開いてゆくのみ。

嬉しいことがあっても悲しいことがあっても、

どんなに政治が混乱していても、

世界は繋がっていて、地球は廻っていて、時は進んでいて

世界のどこかで新たな命が生まれていて

日は今日も明日も明後日も、また昇り、私たちの朝を照らしてくれる。

変わってゆくもの、変わらないもの。

変えてゆけるもの。

変える力は、自分たちの中にある。

そんなことを信じさせてくれた暁の光に力をもらいながら、

自分の中の聲に正直に、

変わらず創りつづけていきます。

本年もどうぞ宜しくお願いいたします。

山口碧生

January 6, 2017
New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop 2017

Yes, we are having a kakizome workshop again this year!

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.

During this workshop, you will be trying Kakizome with your choice of words for your wishes for the New Year on the large pieces of calligraphy paper! 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, basic brush techniques and possibilities of Sumi ink. First, we will practice on small scale, and then you will be writing with a large Kakizome calligraphy brush on “hansetsu” sized calligraphy paper. You don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, we will have a list of words and phrases for you to choose or be inspired from.

This one-time workshop is designed for a small group of beginners and intermediate level of all ages. No prior art experience is necessary. Materials provided. Just come dressed in relaxed clothing that you don’t mind getting inks (yes, you never know!). Space is limited; early registration is encouraged!

Date:
Saturday 1/7 11:00am – 1:30pm (sold out!) | 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Saturday 1/21 11am – 1:30pm

More details & registration from the button below!
Looking forward to seeing you there!

*

今年も、書き初めワークショップを開催します！
新年への抱負を心に、心機一転、大きな筆を持ってみませんか。
最初は半紙で練習、そして半切大画仙紙にチャレンジします。
紙・筆・墨・道具一式はご用意していますので、手ぶらでお越しくださいね。

日程：
Saturday 1/7
午前の会 11:00am – 1:30pm (sold out!) と午後の会 3:00pm – 5:30pm

場所：
Atelier Towa: Aoi Yamaguchi Calligraphy
1450 4th Street #11 Berkeley, CA 94710

詳細・参加申し込みは、以下のボタン “VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER” から。
奮ってご参加ください！

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January 4, 2017
「懸」- Care

「懸」- care

懸念懸想しあいながら、
ひととひとは繋がっていられるのだと思う。

心の一画目はじんわりと念が弧を描いて響き、
届いていくように。

心を抱きしめる腕は長く伸び、
ぽろぽろとこぼれる想いを、
包みこむように。

Worrying is caring, longing is loving –
we are connected with this invisible mesh of thoughts and emotions.

The first dot of the Heart (心) is round and rippling
like our warmth that travels thorough the air to reach another.

Its long arm extends, embraces
the overflowing tears of emotions.

– in thoughts of recent tragic Oakland “Ghost Ship” fire

December 7, 2016
Live Calligraphy Performance at BAMPFA on Oct 15th

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I’m excited to announce my upcoming large-scale live calligraphy performance at Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive on Oct 15th, themed in “Breath“. FULL is a series of varied performances at BAMPFA celebrating every full moon cycle. Curated by Shinichi lova-Koga, various artists performing contemplating the theme “breath” in celebration of full moon.

This performance is designed site-specific to the newly renovated, stunning structure of the atrium in the museum. I’d like to present a multi-layered large-scale Japanese calligraphy performance, accompanied by sublime sounds composed by a Tokyo-based sound artist Corey Fuller (ILLUHA/ 12K). This 23-minutes sound journey is Fuller’s artistic interpretation of my calligraphic movements, resonance of shadows; and this will be the first time presenting to the public.

Supported by numbers of talented spirits, featuring assistant performers Yang Yang, Yawen Zou, Ziyu Zhou, and Chelsea Ortiz; ink vase installation in collaboration with Studio Sen; team Awakening Moon: Aprille Tang, Zon Chu, Andrej Hronco and Yukina Yamamoto. Hair & make in collaboration with Aki Masuoka, Yui Yamaguchi.

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Full: Breath

Programmed by Shinichi Iova-Koga

An evening of varied performances celebrating and contemplating breath. You will experience the unique sounds of shakuhachivirtuoso Masayuki Koga, the live calligraphy painting of Aoi Yamaguchi, the solo dance artistry of Dana Iova-Koga, and haunting music from Oakland-based duo Ghost Lore. Plus explore the exhibition galleries and discover simultaneous performances throughout the building.

Guest programmer Shinichi Iova-Koga teaches dance composition at Mills College and is the artistic director of the San Francisco-based performance company inkBoat.

Saturday, October 15. 2016 | 7 PM
BAMPFA (Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive)
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September 8, 2016
Japanese Calligraphy Group Lessons for Beginners: Autumn 2016

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At this Autumn series of hands-on workshops spanning from September to November, you will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy skills, meditative calligraphy process and finding the balance between the mind and body. We will go over the basics: how to hold the brush and control the brush, posture, how to take care of tools and materials, various kinds of Japanese gasen paper and sumi inks. As the fall of autumn leaves symbolizes, it’s the perfect season to focus on inner-self, preparing for a hibernation, building foundation as you explore new possibilities. This workshops will be a small group of adult beginners.

If you’re interested in private lessons, please contact us from here.

* Calligraphy in the photo: 「待宵」(Matsu-yoi)
待宵 (matsu-yoi) is August 15th by lunar calendar, the day before the autumn full-moon viewing day called 十五夜 (Jyu-goya) in Japan. It also means an brisk evening waiting and longing for someone you love. This term symbolizes the beginning of the autumn season, with a slight sentimental, romantic feeling, which invites you to the world of Japanese poetry from centuries ago.

Looking forward to having you join us!

[symple_button url=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/japanese-calligraphy-workshop-for-beginners-autumn-2016-tickets-27500141664″ color=”grey” size=”small” border_radius=”3px” target=”self” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””] VIEW DETAILS & REGISTER FOR CLASSES [/symple_button]

September 5, 2016
書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS -Five Elements- at Morimoto Napa

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Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS x Morimoto Napa presents

COSMOS: FIVE ELEMENTS
Marriage of Japanese Cuisine, Calligraphy and Confectionery
Demonstration & Tasting

Inspired by Yin-Yang and Five Elements: 木火土金水 (Mok-Ka-Doe-Gon-Sui：Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), I collaborated with Tokyo-based Japanese traditional confectionery “wagashi” chef Shiho Sakamoto and Morimoto Napa to create unique visual and edible art.

The event featured five courses of savory dishes by Chef Ichiro Tsuji, each inspired by the Five Elements, followed by Sakamoto and I presenting five courses of wagashi delicately served on contemporary Japanese calligraphy art on various Japanese washi papers, one inspired by each element of the five elements.

With Japanese traditional aesthetics and wabi-sabi culture, our intention was to realize our vision through a multi-sensory experience inviting you to celebrate nature’s blessings as represented by the Five Elements; in essence, the entire cosmos.[/vc_column_text][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5911,5908″][vc_column_text]Shiho Sakamoto (front), Aoi Yamaguchi (me, in the back) / Chef Ichiro Tsuji of Morimoto Napa[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”3″ images=”5912,5920,5921,5922,5909,5941,5910,5924,5925,5944,5926,5927″][vc_column_text]Chef Ichiro presented beautiful five courses. It was inspiring to hear the concept behind each dishes, and his interpretation of Five Elements reflected into the selection of the ingredients, how he prepared them and stunning presentation.

For the second half of the night, Shiho Sakamoto and I presented our Five Elements, the marriage of Japanese calligraphy and wagashi. Our inspiration was the two contrasting cycle of energies of Five Elements:

Generating Energy (Chi)

Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force generates or creates the next element in a creative sequence.

Water generates wood. Rain nourishes a tree.
Wood generates fire. Burning wood generates fire.
Fire generates earth. Ash is created from the fire.
Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth.
Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal.

Regulating Energy (Chi)

Based on Five Element Theory, each elemental force is also associated with another element which it is responsible for controlling or regulating.

Water controls fire. Water puts fire out.
Wood controls earth. Tree roots hold clods of earth.
Fire controls metal. Fire can melt metal.
Earth controls water. A pond holds water.
Metal controls wood. An ax cuts wood.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5913,5960,5928,5914,5929,5915″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” image=”5930″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]First element: 「木」 – Mok “WOOD”-[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5932,5934,5942,5943″][rs_image_block image=”5916″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]Second element: 「火」 -Ka “FIRE”-[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5935,5933,5918,5917″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” margin_bottom=”25px” image=”5950″][vc_column_text]Third element: 「土」 – Doe “EARTH” – / Fourth element: 「金」 – Gon “METAL” –[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”5948,5951″][rs_image_block lightbox=”yes” image=”5939″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]Lastly, fifth element: 「水」- Sui “Water” –[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Presented by:
Morimoto Napa, Chef Ichiro Tsuji
Japanese Calligraphy “Sho”: Aoi Yamaguchi (Aoi Yamaguchi Calligraphy)
Japanese Confectionery “Wagashi”: Shiho Sakamoto (紫をん（Shiwon）)
Assistant: Sayaka Tani

Special thanks to:
Sayaka, Chef Ichiro-san, Amy Ahnfeldt, Eduardo Dingler, Vivian, and our precious guests to make this event possible!

Photos by Vivian Sachs Photography[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 28, 2016
書と和菓子 Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS Pre-Event at Conde House SF

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Sho to Wagashi: COSMOS is my collaborative project with Tokyo-based Japanese traditional confectionery “wagashi” chef Shiho Sakamoto, inspired by Yin-Yang and Five Elements: 木火土金水 (Mok-Ka-Doe-Gon-Sui：Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), creating unique experiences of marriage of Japanese calligraphy and Japanese confectionery.

To kick-off the series, Shiho and I, along with certified sake sommelier, Yoshihiro Sako, held a pre-event at Conde House USA showroom, aiming to introduce what shodo, wagashi, and sake are, through stories and our own personal narratives how we have incorporated these ancient arts – sho, sake, and wagashi – into contemporary forms. We discussed our process of creation in each respective medium and how material, language and culture shape their creations and their worldview.

This special marriage of art, performance and tasting was hosted by Conde House USA which is located at the San Francisco Design Center. Conde House specializes in creating beautifully designed contemporary Japanese furniture, made in the northernmost island of Hokkaido. The Machiya inspired showroom reflects the feel of a traditional Japanese Merchant House blending the history of ancient workshop spaces with today’s minimalist sensibilities. As purveyors of innovative modern furniture and designs of Japanese craftsmanship, the Conde House Showroom makes for an ideal home for this unique and intimate exchange of culture, knowledge and imagination.

I. Introduction: What is Sho, Wagashi, and Sake?
II. Selected wagashi & sake tasting
III. Panel Discussion, Q&A

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Presented by
Aoi Yamaguchi, Japanese Calligraphy “Sho” Artist
Shiho Sakamoto, Japanese Traditional Confectionery “Wagashi” Artist
Yoshihiro Sako, Sake Sommelier

In collaboration with
Yuko Sato, Potter

Special Thanks to:
Conde House USA, Tak-san, Natsumi-san, and everyone who attended the event!

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August 13, 2016