AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

Category: Workshops

Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners: Spring 2019

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Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners
Spring 2019

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ATELIER TOWA, BERKELEY, CA

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!

*

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_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 & REGISTER CLASSES” style=”flat” color=”black” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa-japanese-calligraphy-workshop-spring19.eventbrite.com|||” css=”.vc_custom_1550794439320{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

February 22, 2019
Join Us for Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshops Summer 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h3″ font_color=”#303030″ letter_spacing=”1px” font_size=”35px”]Japansese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshops for Beginners:
Summer 2018[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]Summer has arrived! Join us for the calligraphy workshop – we have three dates scheduled below. Each session is designed to work on and complete one selected character of your choice. You’re welcome to join just one session, or multiple sessions to practice more characters!

Saturday, June 23rd | 11am – 1pm
Saturday, July 7th | 11am – 1pm
Sunday, July 22nd | 11am – 1pm
Saturday, August 18th | 11am – 1pm
Sunday, August 26th | 11am – 1pm

at Atelier Towa, Berkeley, CA
1450 4th St #11 Berkeley, CA 94710

In this 2 hour, hands-on workshop, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy writing techniques, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. Learn how to use the calligraphy brush, proper posture and manners, unique characteristics of Japanese gasen-shi paper and sumi inks. After learning the basics, you will pick a character from selected words list, practice and make your own calligraphy artwork on “Hanshi”-sized calligraphy paper, while contemplating on the meaning of the chosen character. At the end of the session, you will have your own calligraphy artworks to take home.

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 a plus, but is not necessary.

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Basic supplies and materials will be provided for you to use during the workshop.

[/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 & REGISTER” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-calendar” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fjapanese-calligraphy-shodo-workshop-for-beginners-summer-2018-tickets-46041974786|||” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-round product_type_simple” css=”.vc_custom_1529624025124{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][rs_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

June 1, 2018
New Year’s Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshop 2018

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二〇一八年書き初め
Kakizome Workshop 2018

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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.

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＊

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. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged!

DATE & TIME
Saturday January 6th
11:00am – 1:30pm
3:00pm – 5:30pm

LEVEL
Beginners and intermediate level of all ages.
(For those under 12 who wish to participate, please let us know in advance!)

LECTURE & TEXTS
This workshop will be instructed by Aoi Yamaguchi.Worksheets and handouts will be provided.
Lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary.

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Basic calligraphy tools and supplies will be provided for you to work on Kakizome during the workshop.

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Join us for the fresh start of the year with Kakizome!

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January 2, 2018
SEASONS 08: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR AUGUST 「空蝉」-EMPTY CICADA: THIS MORTAL LIFE-

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SEASONS 08
AUGUST 葉月

空蝉　Utsusemi
-Empty Cicada: This Mortal Life-

For August session, the seasonal word for the month is 空蝉 “Utsusemi“. Utsusemi literally means “an empty locust”, and also defined as “this mortal life”. In the hot and humid summer in Japan, you can hear the sound of 蟬 (semi) – cicadas, everywhere, letting us know that it’s the peak of summer season. Cicadas lie beneath the earth for 3 to 17 years depending on the species, and eventually emerge above ground as nymph, climb up the trees and shed their larvae shells. They live overground for 4 weeks, only for breeding for their next generation, then fall off the tree. Utsusemi have been used in poetry symbolizing of the beauty of the ephemeral nature of our lives in Japanese culture for hundreds of years. During this hands-on workshop, you will write your choice of words from selected Japanese classic haiku poems themed in Utsusemi.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”VIEW CLASS & REGISTER” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa_workshop_seasons07_utsusemi.eventbrite.com|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 3, 2017
SEASONS 07: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR JULY/AUG 「蓮葉」-DRIFTING LOTUS PADS-

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SEASONS 07
JULY 文月

蓮葉 Hasuha
-Drifting Lotus Pads-

For July session, the seasonal word for the month is 蓮葉 “Hasuha”, meaning “Drifting Lotus Pads”. From mid-July to mid-August in Japan, countless lotus pads cover the surface of ponds and lakes, and beautiful lotus flowers bloom in the midst of drifting lotus pads.

In Buddhism, lotus flowers has been cherished as a symbol of purity of the body, speech, and mind; awakening and enlightenment, as they grow out of muddy water and bloom beautifully – as if they float over the muddy water – the presense of the flower is so genuine and bracing. You will write your choice of words from selected Japanese classic haiku poems themed in Hasuha.[/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=”VIEW CLASS & REGISTER ” shape=”square” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa_workshop_seasons07_hasuha.eventbrite.com|||” css=”.vc_custom_1501701624923{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 2, 2017
WORKSHOPS at TYPO BERLIN 2017

During TYPO Berlin 2017 at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in the heart of Berlin, I’ve taught two Japanese calligraphy workshops for Day 2 and Day 3. For each two-hours workshop, we hosted 24 participants. I was really excited to see overwhelming line of people who wished to participate in the workshop! I loved how everyone’s eyes were glowing and I could see the excitement in their eyes.

I began the workshop with a short introduction on Japanese calligraphy; from a brief history to the names and functions of each calligraphy tools and how to treat them, proper posture, and the connection between your Mind and Body. I’ve brought 5 Kanji characters for everyone to choose one from, and they practiced the chosen character on Hanshi paper over and over again, until they start to feel comfortable with handling Japanese calligraphy brush and sumi ink. It is important for one to focus in the moment, think about the meaning of the character, and try to express their vision through writing.

Some were feeling comfortable to write sitting down, some were standing up to practice. I personally like standing when I’m writing calligraphy – it gives me more freedom to move arms and body freely, and transform the flow of physical movements into the written strokes.

I was surprised to see how quickly everyone picked up on the brush skill, only within an hour.

Thank you everyone participating, and for such a wonderful job.
Hope to come back to Berlin again sometime soon!

Photo credit:
© Norman Posselt / Monotype

June 1, 2017
SEASONS 04: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR APRIL 「初桜」-SEASON’S FIRST CHERRY BLOSSOM-

Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners

季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ「SEASONS」

SEASONS op. 04
April: Hatsu-zakura – Season’s First Cherry Blossom –

4月卯月 – 「初桜」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 April session, you will write your choice of seasonal words from selected Japanese classic haiku poems, themed in “Hatsu-zakura” meaning “Season’s First Cherry Blossom.” The warmth of spring is punctuated by the first cherry blossoms. Pleasant breeze brings you the fragrance of the spring, as the cherry blossoms dance in the loving sunlight in full bloom. Let the beautiful poems unfold your imagination, let your brushes explore your creativity.

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. 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.

DATE
Sunday, April 9th 11am – 1pm
Saturday, April 29 11am – 1pm

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.

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March 31, 2017
SEASONS 03: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for March 「朧月」-Hazy Moon-

Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop for Beginners

季節を愉しむ書道ワークショップ「SEASONS」

SEASONS op. 03
March: Oborozuki – Hazy Moon –

３月弥生 – 「朧月」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 March session, themed in “Oborozuki” meaning “Hazy Moon,” we will explore the yugen of romantic, sentimental memories in moments with a hazy moon radiating in the night sky of early Spring – as we write your choice of seasonal word from selected 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 kanjicharacters 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 March 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.

[symple_button url=”https://calligraphy_workshop_ateliertowa_hazymoon.eventbrite.com” color=”grey” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”blank” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]VIEW DETAILS & REGISTER[/symple_button]

March 4, 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