The mindful art of Japanese calligraphy with Yoko Takenami

Calligraphy and lettercutting Bookbinding and paper marbling Drawing

Ref: S4D13416

Location: West Dean
£584
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About this course

This course will give a hands-on experience of Japanese calligraphy, which epitomises the historical background of Japanese culture. After learning basic technique, by practising various forms of characters, you can apply this on various paper sufaces and on objects such as simple origami or decorative paper fans.

This course features in our themed Japanese influence's week.

Course Description

This course will give a hands-on experience of Japanese calligraphy, which epitomises the historical background of Japanese culture. After learning basic technique, by practising various forms of characters, you can apply this on various paper sufaces and on objects such as simple origami or decorative paper fans.

The history and explanation on how each material should be used will be explained on the first evening before you begin to familiarise yourself with using a brush and ink on paper.

The movement of the brush is dynamic and versatile, so controlling it requires a high level of concentration, which helps you clear your mind.

With further practice, you’ll have an opportunity to do kakizome, the first calligraphy of the year, which traditionally takes place on the 2nd of January to celebrate New Year, followed by a St. Valentine’s message on a fan, and you will finish the course with the work on paper, decorated by yourself.

This course is part of our Japanese influence’s week.

Our February themed week of short courses for 2024 focuses on Japanese influences, led by talented artist-tutors.

Akiko Fujikawa – Woodcut printmaking

Rob Jones – Katagami and shibori textiles

Paula Haughney – Netsuke stone carving

Tim Andrews – Tea ware pottery

Yoko Takenami – Ink calligraphy and characters

Nick Bodimeade – Landscape – Eastern influences on European painting

Each course explores a different aspect of the influences of Japanese art and craft and how they may be applied to contemporary practices.

Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. Participants will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course most of the materials, including: paper, ink, ink stone, brush and other materials which will be needed for calligraphy and decoration on paper are supplied by the tutor.

What students need to bring

  • Calligraphy materials if you have any and would prefer to use your own e.g ink, ink stone, brushes etc.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A range of art papers
  • Available from tutor:
  • Calligraphy materials in general
  • Additional washi papers
  • Some calligraphy tools provided for use on the course and may be purchased from her if you wish to retain them. Please pay her directly by cash or cheque.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

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.