Category: Uncategorized

  • NEW YEARS CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP 2025

    NEW YEARS CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP 2025

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fateliertowa-kakizome011825″ image=”8381″][rs_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”pt-70 pb-70 pt-xs-50 pb-xs-50″][vc_column][rs_special_text]NEW YEAR’S CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOPS 2025[/rs_special_text][vc_column_text]The first workshop to be offered in my new studio will be New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshops in January! Kakizome is a wonderful Japanese tradition where you can take a moment to center yourself with good thoughts and wishes for the fresh beginning of the year. Let’s write an auspicious word for your new year’s resolution in calligraphy, and start the New Year in good spirit.

    *

    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: good luck calligraphy), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri: first ink well) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu: challenge writing).

    Traditionally, water called “wakamizu” (若水) used to make the Sumi ink for Kakizome must be the one taken from the well on the New Year’s day, which is believed to be pure and holy. Wishing for a good luck for the year, we write Kakizome facing towards “ehou” (恵方), the fortunate direction for the year based on the local zodiac. People write auspicious kanji characters or a short poetry, such as haiku or tanka, or their favorite characters that symbolize one’s wishes for the New Year.

    On the New Year’s day, following the tradition, pour water in a container and bring it with you to the class. Don’t worry if you were not able to – we have extra wakamizu saved for you. During the workshop, you will rub the ink stick with your wakamizu to create fresh sumi ink, and write calligraphy of words of your choice from a selected list provided. 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. You will practice on standard hanshi paper, and then work on a final piece on a long yatsugiri paper. You will take home your finished calligraphy artworks, an ink stick, and an artwork folder that you will be binding during the class.

    This workshop is for youth & adult beginners.[/vc_column_text][rs_space height=”45px”][symple_divider][rs_space height=”45px”][rs_special_text tag=”h3″ font_color=”#000000″]

    NEW YEAR’S CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP

    SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025 | 10am – 1pm PST
    SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025 | 10:30am – 1:30pm PST

    @ atelier towa
    West Adams district, Los Angeles

    [/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”SAVE YOUR SEAT: SAT. JAN 18″ style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1735393342981{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fateliertowa-kakizome011825″][vc_btn title=”SAVE YOUR SEAT: SUN. JAN 19″ style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1735393350362{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fateliertowa-kakizome011925″][rs_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Live Calligraphy Performance at ArtScapes 2023: Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch 50th Anniversary

    Live Calligraphy Performance at ArtScapes 2023: Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch 50th Anniversary

    I’ll be performing large-scale live calligraphy at the grand opening ceremony of ArtScapes 2023, an contemporary Ikebana exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco this Saturday.

    The performance will be accompanied by Galen Rogers, a San Francisco-based dancer, performer, and the director of Jiten Daiko; Kevin Chen, a Shakuhachi player; and Jiten Daiko, a taiko drumming ensemble based in San Francisco.

    I am honored to be performing for Sogetsu for the second time, since the last performance back in 2016 for Sogetsu 90th Anniversary. If you are in town, please come see our performance and say hi, and enjoy the beautiful Ikebana exhibition!


    ArtScapes 2023
    Ikebana Exhibit by Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch

    Grand Opening Ceremony
    Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10am –
    @ Golden Gate Park County Fair Building
    1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
    Free Admission

  • Talk @ beyond tellerrand Düsseldorf, Germany

    Talk @ beyond tellerrand Düsseldorf, Germany

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]Talk at Beyond Tellerrand Düsseldorf 2023: “瞑想と書:Meditation with Calligraphy”[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8129″][rs_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was invited to speak at 2023 edition of beyond tellerrand, an amazing creative conference in Germany hosted my the one and only Marc Thiele, and this time, in Düsseldorf.

    This time, I talked about the Meditation with Calligraphy — and how the two are intertwined as the art of mental and physical practice, leaving a visual trace of time, movement and emotion through the ink. I went deeper into what goes on in my mind while I’m working on calligraphy throughout the creative process, inside or outside of my studio, for my personal works, client works to performances. I had a wonderful time sharing my story, my process, my work, my passion. Loved meeting everyone, reuniting with my dear friends, always great energy and inspiration at Beyond Tellerrand.

    The special moment on stage for me was to close my eyes and meditate with everyone about the ocean waves… the theater-full of closed eyes 😌 Thank you all for joining me on a journey to 瞑想 Meiso – “meditation”!

    Meditation is a crucial part in my creative process. Sharing this process step by step in this talk made me realize how much time I spend to centering myself by travel into my deeper thoughts with eyes closed, and repeat the process of visualizing and writing, the endless trial and error finding that balance within myself and in my calligraphy.

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    瞑想と書:Meditation with Calligraphy

    Probing the Depth of the Mind with Ink and Brush

    From ancient times in Eastern countries, calligraphy has been described as “the reflection of the Mind”. Introduced from China in the 6th Century, calligraphy is a highly regarded form of art that combines the literary components of the language and visual elements in Japanese culture. The practice has become a discipline, way of thought and study, one’s spiritual pursuit, and is a life-long journey to find one’s own “strokes”. Master calligrapher and artist Aoi Yamaguchi goes deeper into the relationship between meditation and Japanese calligraphy. She explores how the two are intertwined as the art of mental and physical practice, leaving a visual trace of time, movement and emotion through the ink. How does a symbol, or a stroke, embody feelings, stories, and music? Exploring some examples, she will talk about what goes on inside her mind during her own calligraphy process – from daily practice in her atelier, for client projects, or in front of an audience for a live calligraphy performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Currently on View: Solo Exhibition「墨と心象」”Sumi: Inner Landscapes” at Hugomento in San Francisco

    Currently on View: Solo Exhibition「墨と心象」”Sumi: Inner Landscapes” at Hugomento in San Francisco

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    Currently on View: Solo Exhibition「墨と心象」”Sumi: Inner Landscapes” at Hugomento in San Francisco

    My solo exhibition, first time in 11 years in the United States, opened at Hugomento in San Francisco on November 12. This exhibition showcases my selected artworks from the past 7 years exploring the world of tanboku (淡墨), in the form of bokushō (墨象), also known as zen-ei shodo (前衛書道), the art of abstract expressionism through the medium of Japanese calligraphy, including selected pieces from the series Momentum: Movements in Nature (2015), 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows (2016), and TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics (2022).

    When you walk into the main gallery space, you will be welcomed by 『奔』Run on the largest wall.  This is one of the 12 pieces I’ve written during the live performance “TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics” at an amazing creative conference THU in Portugal this September. This piece was inspired by Frédéric Chopin’s one of the most famous piano classics, Polonaise No.6 in A-Flat Major Op.53, “Heroic”. I chose to perform to this piece as the second track in the playlist, symbolizing the early phase in a journal of my life. While listening to the grandiose spectacle of this piano composition, I was remembering my young self following my passion and running through all the challenges and hardships to overcome. While holding a brush, I was immersed in the energy that made me run toward a triumph to realize my goals, in pursuit of my dreams. I want to dedicate this piece to all the young dreamers in the world.

    At the gallery, you will have an access to the music composed by Corey Fuller inspired by the theme of 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows, for you to enjoy while viewing the artworks on exhibit, as well as a performance video and playlist of TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics. I recommend visiting the gallery with your own headphones / earbuds for the best experience. Hope you will have a chance to visit the gallery, and enjoy tranquilness in a beautifully curated gallery space. The exhibition is on view until the end of the year. Original artworks and limited edition giclée prints of selected works are available for sale. Please contact the gallery for inquiry or purchase.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”7931″][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    h u g o m e n t o
    795 22nd Street,
    San Francisco, CA 94107
    hugo@hugomento.com
    hugomento.com
    +14155057609

    Hours:
    Wed – Fri, 1-6 pm
    Sat – Sun, 1-5 pm
    and by appointment

    hugomento is a boutique art gallery in Dogpatch, San Francisco owned and curated by Hugo Lai. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic art, a unique and original print, painting, sculpture, or other objet d’art, or simply want to experience one of the city’s most soulful small galleries, Hugomento is a must visit. Current artists include Mitch Iburg, Janet Jones, Marco Minetti, Blaise Rosenthal, Aoi Yamaguchi, Justin Zielke, among others.

    _
    Artworks in the photographs above:

    奔  Run
    Inspired by Polonaise No.6 in A-Flat Major Op.53, “Heroic”, Frédéric Chopin
    From the series TWELVE 十二の記憶: Ode to Piano Classics
    2022, 55.5″x 54″, Sumi ink, Double-layered Japanese Gasen-shi Paper

    光  Light
    2016, 53” x 27.25”, Sumi ink on Japanese gasenshi paper
    From the series 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows

    翳  Shadows
    2016, 53” x 27.25”, Sumi ink on Japanese gasenshi paper
    From the series 陰翳 IN-EI: Resonance of Shadows[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for June

    Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for June

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    Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
    for June 2022

    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 character for June is:
    『螢』(fireflies)

    * The workshop is designed to accommodate youth & adult beginners. No prior art experience or knowledge of Japanese language is necessary.

    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
    • “Suzuri” or “Bokuchi” Ink well
    • “Bokuju” Bottled sumi ink
    • “Hanshi” Calligraphy Hanshi paper (W24.3cm x H33.4cm)
    • “Mousen” Calligraphy felt pad (2mm thickness, W27.8cmxH38.0cm or similar)
    • “Bunchin” Paper weights
    • Worksheets printouts (PDF will be provided via the email prior to the session)
    • Old newspapers or extra black felt (to dry wet artworks on)

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column align=”center” width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”REGISTER CLASS” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-calendar” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbeginners-shodo-workshop-online-june-2022.eventbrite.com” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1653949341299{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Performances, Workshop and Talk at Japan Days “WA” Kaunas 2022

    Performances, Workshop and Talk at Japan Days “WA” Kaunas 2022

    I was invited to be part of “Japonijos Dienos Kaune WA” celebrating the culture of Japan as part of the Kaunas 2022 programme – Kaunas is one of the chosen cities of European Capital of Culture for 2022. I will be presenting two performances, teaching a workshop and giving a talk throughout the festival, starting from April 25 – May 1, 2022.


    04.28 | THURSDAY 17:30-
    AOI YAMAGUCHI x SENSELESS DRAWING BOT

    PARALLEL PERFORMANCES OF JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY BY A CALLIGRAPHER AND ABSTRACT ART BY DRAWING BOT

    For the first time, a calligrapher and a drawing bot perform large-scale live art together on their own canvases under the united theme. 

    Senseless Drawing Bot, created by So Kanno in collaboration with Takahiro Yamaguchi, is a self-generated drawing machine utilizing the chaotic movement of a double pendulum and drawing abstract lines. Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi, utilizing her skills she mastered in classical training from the age of 6, will be expressing her artistic interpretation of the concept of the “void” – questioning the contrast between robots and humans when being in the state of emptiness and entirely being in the moment. 

    While Kanno and Yamaguchi’s Senseless Drawing Bot approximates graffiti by eliminating the human body and expressing itself only through an autonomous algorithm, Aoi Yamaguchi expresses her artistic interpretation of characters, words and poetry through calligraphy brushes, drawn through her organic physical movements. This unique collaborative performance invites viewers to witness the possibilities of human vs. robot, and challenges you to ask yourself what is ‘self’.


    04.29 | FRIDAY 17:00-
    間 (MA)  –
    and everything in between –

    COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCE OF CALLIGRAPHY, DANCE AND SOUND

    Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi performs conceptual, large-scale live calligraphy in collaboration with Lithuanian dance theater “Aura”, Susanna Maggio and Francesca Pizzuti, accompanied by a sound composition by Tokyo-based musician and multimedia artist Corey Fuller. In an unconventional setting, this conceptual performance explores the concept of 間 (MA) – “space” in our lives, that has challenged us in recent years. When the world shut down, we had to distance ourselves from others, we were left in our own enclosed space, and faced our inner-selves. When the world collided and our freedom had been taken away, we had to adapt to the new normal and seek ways to and find a space where we feel safe. And we are still on that journey looking for a place where our minds and hearts are at peace ; 間 (MA) for space, 間 (MA) for time, 間 (MA) for the distance, 間 (MA) for silence — and everything in between. 

    Duration: 20 minutes

    04.30 | SATURDAY
    11:00-13:00 JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY “SHODO” WORKSHOP

    VMU, V.Putvinskio st. 23
    Registration at: kaunas2022/eu/en/wa

    15:00-16:00 TALK “The Brush and I”

    VMU, V.Putvinskio st. 23

    Checkout the beautiful programme: https://kaunas2022/eu/wa

    More about Kaunas 2022: https://kaunas2022.eu/

  • 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.

  • Installation & Live Calligraphy at Valletta 2018, Malta

    Installation & Live Calligraphy at Valletta 2018, Malta

     

    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!

    来週より、マルタ島へ行ってきます。

    今年の欧州文化首都であるマルタ島ヴァレッタ市にて開催されるValletta2018に招聘いただき、関連企画のひとつである現代アート展示・パフォーマンスイベントIsland Lightsにてインスタレーションとパフォーマンスで参加します。Valletta 2018では、本年度1年間に渡り、ローカルアーティスト含め世界中から計1000人以上のアーティスト、キュレーター、アートコレククティヴ、パフォーマンス、ワークショップリーダー、作家、デザイナー、合唱団、映像作家を招聘し、各地で140のプロジェクト、 400ものアートイベントを開催しています。

    日本とマルタの現代アートに焦点を当てた企画展 Island Lightsでは、「光と影」をテーマとし、日本からYang02, Akiko Nakayama、HOUXO QUE、自身、そしてローカルアーティストI+AとJean-Luc Portelliによるインスタレーションが展示されます。オープニングナイトの11月2日夜7時より、インスタレーション作品をライブ揮毫します。展示は11月2日〜3日の二日間に渡り開催され、展示のほか落語や着物ワークショップなど、日本文化にまつわる様々なワークショップも開催されるそうです。

    マルタ島・Valletta2018にお越しの方は、ぜひ足を運んでいただけたら嬉しいです。マルタ島の陰翳を探しに、行ってきます。

    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

    For more info:
    https://valletta2018.org/events/island-lights/

     

     

    The Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme

  • Live Performance with SF Taiko Dojo @ Bentley Reserve this Friday Presented by Suntory Whiskey Toki

    Live Performance with SF Taiko Dojo @ Bentley Reserve this Friday Presented by Suntory Whiskey Toki

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    This coming Friday, I will be performing live calligraphy in collaboration with San Francisco Taiko Dojo at SF FEAST LUCKYRICE, a premium wine & food event which takes place at Bently Reserve in the heart of San Francisco. Presented by Suntory Whiskey Toki, the event features San Francisco’s diverse fine Asian restaurants, presenting chef’s tasting menu and special cocktails.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][rs_image_block image=”6763″][rs_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]DATE: Friday September 8th, 2017
    TIME: VIP 7:00pm – 10:00pm | GA: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
    VENUE: Bently Reserve
    301 Battery St
    San Francisco, CA 94111
    TICKETS: VIP $150 | GA: $88[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”MORE DETAILS & BUY TICKETS” style=”custom” custom_background=”#3a3a3a” custom_text=”#f7f7f7″ shape=”square” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fluckyrice.com%2Fevent%2Fsan-francisco-feast-4%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column align=”center” width=”1/2″][rs_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Calligraphy Title & Credits for the Film “Garm Wars The Last Druid” by Mamoru Oshii

    Calligraphy Title & Credits for the Film “Garm Wars The Last Druid” by Mamoru Oshii

    [vc_row margin=”mb-70 mb-xs-50″][vc_column][rs_media media_type=”youtube” y_url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/btT2DdJ2BSQ” width=”1920px” height=”1080px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Excited to announce that I worked on calligraphy title and credits for director Mamoru Oshii, the world-renowned Japanese film director known for his work “Ghost in the Shell.” His new live action/animation hybrid film titled “GARM WARS The Last Druid” was released internationally in 2014, and officially released in Japan in 2016. The film was shot in English and coproduced by Canadian film studio, premiered at Tokyo International Film Festival in 2014.  Please check it out!

    押井守監督の最新作『GARM WARS The Last Druid』(2014) の映画タイトル、クレジットを揮毫させていただきました。実写とCGの融合したハイブリッド・アニメーションである今作はカナダとの共同制作。ついにトレーラー映像が公開され、東京国際映画祭では特別招待作品として上映されました。2014年には海外で、2016年には日本でも公開されたそうです。ぜひみなさんチェックしてみてください!

    Poster images: ©️ Production I.G[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_gallery column=”3″ images=”6363,6361″][/vc_column][/vc_row]