AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

Category: 随想

  • 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.

  • 結 (yui • musubi): HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019

    結 (yui • musubi): HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019

    [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!

    *

    2019年明けましておめでとうございます。風邪に倒れ、大晦日まで全く筆を持つことの出来なかった年末が明け、元日から何か清々しく、心晴れやかなここ三が日を過ごしています。昨日は早速、毎年恒例の書き初めワークショップを開催！元気一杯のご家族のみなさんに参加いただいて、とっても楽しいセッションとなり、新年に向けて新たな抱負も明確となりました。今年一年への想いは「結」の一字に込め、私も新年の一筆。

    これまで、一糸一糸「織」ってきた鮮やかな模様。今年はその一糸一端をしっかりと「結」んでいく一年にしたい。家族との絆、大切な人たちとの絆を温めながら、自分自身とゆっくり向き合って、幸せな筆の軌跡を共有していきたいと思っています。書道を通して沢山の人々、沢山の笑顔と触れ合える喜びが、私の何よりの幸福です。ひとつひとつの決意や出逢いの結び目ごとに、少しずつ広がっていくこの幸福の「結」の輪が、一緒に結んだあなたにも、幸せをもたらしてくれますようにと、祈りを込めて。

    相変わらずな私ですが、本年もどうぞ宜しくお願い申し上げます。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 風花 – Snow Flurries in the Wind

    風花 – Snow Flurries in the Wind

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    風花   kazahana
    – Flurries in the Wind –

    On the last night of January.
    In a slumber listening to the lullaby of the city lights, dreaming of the snow flurries in Munich.
    I wish flurries of words would fall like snowfall on a night like this.
    Snow flurries fell into my palms and melted, before I was able to remember the shapes of each one of them.
    And the snow crystals changed into the rain as I was reminiscing.
    Words all disappeared, while I was busy recording.
    I just had to feel the moment, and not remember the moment.

    睦月最後の夜
    都会の光に包まれて、微睡みながら思い出す
    ミュンヘンの風花

    無数の風花が降るのと同じ速度で
    無数の言葉が降ってきたらいいのに

    風花は手の中で溶けてなくなって
    形を思い出そうとすると雨に変わっていった
    書き留めた言葉は紙面から離れて消えていった[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”2″ images=”6953,6954″][rs_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 暁 – HAPPY NEW YEAR 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

  • 「懸」- Care

    「懸」- Care

    懸
    「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

  • “掌” Tanagokoro: Season’s Greetings from the Atelier

    “掌” Tanagokoro: Season’s Greetings from the Atelier

     

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    SEASON’S GREETINGS
    from 
    ATELIER TOWA

    Hope everyone had a great start of the New year!

    My resolution for this year is “掌 (Tanagokoro)”:

    In Zen teaching, there is this saying “明珠在掌” (みょうじゅたなごころにあり),
    which means that everyone has a shining gem in your palm.
    We are always in pursuit of happiness, trying to find “it” somewhere far —
    but the most valuable thing in your life is already within you.

    With this beautiful spirit in mind, I’m going to keep taking small steps this year,
    as working on polishing skills and continuing my craft, to make visions come true.
    Instead of making a fist and running on a lonesome path to just get to the goal,
    I want to have my palm open so that I can be open to new encounters,
    hold hands of friends and loved ones,
    and together walk towards the goal, create something beautiful.

    Warmest thoughts to you from my atelier:
    Wishing your New Year to be filled with happiness, beauty, and lots of adventures!

    – Aoi Yamaguchi

    *

    寒中お見舞い申し上げます

    寒さ厳しい日が続いておりますが、みなさま良いお年を迎えられたこととお慶び申し上げます。

    昨年1月30日に祖父が他界し、喪中につき
    新年のご挨拶を控えさせていただきます。

    昨年1月より、カリフォルニア州バークレーに新たなスタジオ『アトリエ咏遠』を構え、
    作品の制作活動に加えて、書道ワークショップや個人レッスンも指導を開始し、
    少しつづの歩みではありますが、着実に
    より多くの人に書道を楽しんでもらえるよう、啓蒙活動に力を入れております。

    新年の一字は「掌」（たなごころ）：
    「明珠在掌」（みょうじゅたなごころにあり）と禅の教えにあるように、
    私たちは生まれながらに、それぞれ曇りのない宝珠を持っているといいます。
    真に大切なものは全て、どこか遠くではなく、
    自分の掌の中にあるんだよ、と言うことです。

    拳を握ってがむしゃらに突っ走るのではなく、
    掌を開いて、周りの大切な人たちと手を繋いで歩んでいけるよう、
    そしてもっと素敵な人々との出逢いにオープンでいられるよう、
    「掌」の精神で邁進していきたいと思っております。

    日頃の皆様の御厚情に心よりお礼申し上げます。

    今年も変わらぬご御厚誼のほど宜しくお願い申し上げます。

    アトリエ咏遠
    書家　山口碧生

  • Back in the US: at Atelier Towa.

    Back in the US: at Atelier Towa.

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    “To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

    ― Osho

    ***

    After three months in Japan, I am finally back to my atelier in Berkeley.

    These beautiful flowers from my love and neighbors welcomed my return both in the car and at home.  How pretty, how sweet. I am well and recharged, and excited to get back to work. Thank you all for those who sent me beautiful gifts, warm thoughts and messages – I’m so touched by your kindness, and it really encouraged me to stay strong.

    Another happy announcement… the new sign of for my atelier, “Atelier Towa” (アトリエ咏遠), is officially up on the building directory at the entrance!

    I’m planning to finally begin calligraphy workshops later this month.
    Details including dates, hours, sign-up links to be announced very soon!

    Upcoming Events: 
    1. Calligraphy Workshops (Starting late November 2015)
    2. Open Studio
    3. Kakizome (Calligraphy for the New Year) Workshop (in January, 2016)
    4. Solo exhibition & performance in Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan (in February, 2016)

    For commissions and other inquiries, please contact at info@aoiyamaguchi.com.
    Private visits can be scheduled by appointments.

    Thank you so much for your patience, and looking forward to enjoy the beautiful world of Japanese calligraphy with you!