Ref: S2D41713
Discover and experience the essence of Shodo, the art of Japanese calligraphy. Previous experience and particular knowledge on calligraphy or Japanese calligraphy is not 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, one is called side brushing and another is 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.
On this course the College will supply some materials including a Sumi ink stick, a Sumi ink stone, a bottle of Sumi ink liquid, 50 sheets of 33 x 24cm calligraphy paper thin (Hanshi paper), 2 sheets A3 calligraphy paper thick, a piece of Shikishi mounted board and a Japanese brush.
Any calligraphy utensils/materials you may already have
Kitchen rolls
Examples of your calligraphy work, if you have ever tried and would like the tutor to see for feedback
Apron/smock
Any items you may have from the available to buy list
A good variety of general art materials including portfolios to transport art works home
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
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.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
