Because I've shown you some Kana-Shodo and Arabian Shodo art products, I've been hoping to see alphabet calligraphy. It was my plain luck that I saw one at Yokohama Asahi Culture school before I left for the U.S. The photo quality is not good, I'm sorry, but I'm excited to show you this. This is their most current exhibition at the lobby of their school. You get an idea of what I saw and why I was excited.
Calligraphy is an art and therapeutic. I don't understand why American or British schools quit teaching this art. It can be an elective. What do you think?
11 comments:
I just found this out about the first photo. I think it is the product of alphabet calligraphy combined with the techniques of kana shodo and Arabic shodo. The black ink brush is from kana shodo and I think the artist probably used a piece of bamboo carved to make a special pen which I think people in Arabic shodo use. The technique called Kattupitu 渇筆 is clearly visible. Kattupitu is let the ink dry up to show rusty feeling. Look at the brushstrokes closely to see what I am talking about. I'm excited for this discovery! The arts are merging, making more new and fresh things.
I have always admired calligraphy, and at one time thought about trying to do some. In the end I decided it takes someone with way more artistic talent than I have (which is none!).
Kristie,
As your son's reply to one of your questions, I want to say "not applicable." All we need is love and patient. But, I don't spend much time with kana shodo. I only go to the class when I'm in Japan and experiment a few things. The last time, I brushstroke a paragraph from my memoir using a brush-like pen.
I am curious. You mentioned your memoir. Do you have it published yet? I would love to read it!
Kristie,
I've been working for my mother's story for so many years. My mother died in 1996, and ever since then, I set my goal of writing it. But I can't stop editing it. Not published yet, but last month, a friend of mine started to work on editing, but in the meantime, I edited it again. So, we have to meet and level set and restart again.
Thank you for your interest. You are the only one who said want to read. Great!
Thanks Keiko. I will be waiting to see you announce on your blog that the book is finally ready.
Kristie,
I appreciate it. Your words help me motivate to finish it which is probably not to edit anymore but to let my editor friend edit. I admire your life and energy. If I had a dog, the dog has to wake me up! Smiles. But I haven't given up on my energy. It will come back. Your words made my day.
Thank you for sharing, Keiko. These are great. I have always admired calligraphy. I have a slim book about learning it, but no surprise that I have not tried much. From time to time I like to flip through he book and see the beautiful letters. Maybe I will try to write a word. I too will be in line to buy your memoir. I can imagine how interesting it would be.
Rebb,
I wonder if you like the ornate calligraphy of Gothic letters. I love them. They are like Gothic architecture.
In my high school, I used to read the journal that belonged to the art club. Every member including the managing teacher wrote often. I wasn't a member, but I was there often and read the journal. Out of all the members, the group leader wrote in his roundish handwriting. Looking at his letters gave me comfort, so I wrote in the journal what I felt. I remember this because one girl made her comment reading my comment. I was still insecure writer. I wish I can see his letters again.
Keiko,
Yes I do like the ornate calligraphy of gothic letters. That's a great description: Gothic architecture.
What a nice memory. I feel the comfort you describe. I like the rounded curves of Celtic calligraphy. It's humbling and inspiring to look back when we were insecure writers. I think the insecurity is always there in some way-- at least for me-- but it changes in degree from moment to moment. I keep going no matter what.
Rebb,
I agree with you on insecurity. It's part of being human and that makes our writing very interesting. So we should keep going no matter what.
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