Ref: D1D33997
Discover and experience the essence of Shodo, the art of Japanese calligraphy. No previous experience or knowledge of calligraphy or Japanese calligraphy is necessary. Your tutor will be sharing her expertise, demonstrating and showing the art of Shodo with an original mindfulness-based method. You will learn various techniques and brush movements. Specially designed exercises will help you learn to focus on bringing the balance of mind and body together, as well as your individual mindfulness process.
You will start with an introduction to the background and mindfulness aspects of the art form. You will be presented with various calligraphy styles, their characteristics and learn about the tools and materials used.
The first stage of the course is to connect body and mind by releasing the tension from your body by some simple body movements. You will then learn how to create the ink by rubbing the ink stick, this is also releasing tension from the mind.
The second stage is to learn the basic brush movements through specially designed exercises. You will learn how to concentrate on your inner energy flow, conduct and apply it with brush and ink onto paper.
The third stage is to practise two foundational strokes, side brushing and direct brushing in both horizontal and vertical directions. At this point, you will learn to combine conscious breathing and brush movements as well as synchronise the stroke and the inner energy flow at the same time.
The next stage is to create the calligraphy works with prepared templates. You will learn various basic techniques, the composition balance and energy movements of the characters. You will complete the work with your first name in Japanese lettering and the name stamp on the final piece.
The course ends with a presentation of your final works, with discussion about your work and process.
All materials and equipment will be provided for use on the course including paper, sumi ink, a sumi ink stick, a sumi ink stone, brushes, desk pad, rubber block and stamp pad per student.
Any calligraphy utensils/materials you may already have Kitchen roll Examples of your calligraphy work, if you have ever tried, and would like the tutor to see your work to give feedback Apron/smock
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Rie Takeda has worked as a professional calligrapher, artist and teacher for more than 20 years. She started practicing calligraphy at the age of five under the supervision of her grandmother. Later she completed the master of the Gayu calligraphy school in Japan. She also trained her Sumie ink painting skill in the Okino school.
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