IN-PERSON CLASSES | At ATELIER TOWA, LOS ANGELES
ZEN AND SHO
“SHODO” JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY
FOR RETURNING STUDENTS
In-person Japanese calligraphy classes taught by Aoi Yamaguchi for returning students, who wish to continue to study further and improve their calligraphy skill and mindfulness through exploring the world of Zen.
Shodo is one of the “lifelong studies (生涯学習)” — you can spend your entire life practicing, deepening your knowledge, improving your skill, and essentially pursuing your own style and expressions. These all lead to cultivation of the mind and enrichment of your life. If you enjoy practicing Japanese calligraphy and you would like to practice regularly, both to improve your brush work skills and also develop mindfulness, join our unique classes designed for returning students.
In this monthly series, we will introduce new Zen phrases each month and practice in calligraphy either in Standard Script (楷書: Kaisho) or Regular Script (行書: Gyosho) of your choice based on your skill level. Zen-Go (禅語), or Zen phrases, are words and phrases that concisely express Zen truths. Many of them are derived from Zen classics, anecdotes, and scriptures of high-ranking Zen Buddhist monks. We will take a close look at the meaning of the selected Zen phrase, and instill the teaching into your mind to look deeper into your inner-self. You will learn not only the technical aspect of the calligraphy scripts, but also the unique characteristics of the historical masters who have shaped these beautiful scripts and writing styles, while embracing the philosophy of Zen that inspire the way of life.
* Prerequisite: This workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners and intermediate level, who have completed our Introduction to Shodo: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners, or who have taken at least 3 of our workshops by Aoi Yamaguchi, or for those who have a beginner level of experience with Japanese calligraphy in Japan or by other calligraphy schools.
MARCH sessionS
弥生の会
SUNDAYS, MARCH 9 & 30, 2025
10:30am - 12:00Pm PST
at atelier towa
West Adams, Los angeles
Address will be provided upon registration
$150
OUR PROGRAM
TWO CLASSES EACH MONTH
We meet twice a month: we will introduce the new Zen phrase at the Session 1, along with a lecture on the scripts and demonstration focusing on brushwork techniques. We meet again for Session 2 to receive critique on your work from the instructor, and practice further to see how much you improve from Session 1, and work on creating a final piece for the month, completing your work with your signature. Practicing on a regular basis is a key for improvement!
SPRING & FALL SESSIONS
The classes are offered for two seasons: Spring Sessions (March - June) and Fall Sessions (August - November). At the end of the Fall Sessions, you will choose one Zen phrase from all the phrases you've learned to create your best work for the year, and we will have a members’ exhibition to celebrate your achievements!
MEMBERS COMMUNITY
As the community grows, we will plan members' only social gatherings to get to know your peers, access to exclusive events and retreats, and field trips and other opportunities to learn deeper into the world of Shodo.
Common qUESTIONS
LEVEL & LANGUAGE
The workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners and intermediate level students who has a basic knowledge and experience with Japanese calligraphy. For the first-time beginners, completion of our beginner's course Introduction to Shodo: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners is required first in order to participate in this sessions for Returning Students. The lecture will be taught in English.
HANDOUTS & TEXTBOOKS
Printed handouts of the teacher's model work will be provided at session 1. You can create an archive of the handouts you receive each session.
SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
Participants are required to bring their own Japanese calligraphy tools and supplies for the session. If you don't own one, you can purchase a teacher's recommended calligraphy set from us, simply add the set to the registration at check-out page. Paper, sumi ink, and all other supplies are available to purchase at the atelier before or after the session, whenever you need more.
CANCELATION & NO-SHOWS
All workshop registrations are final sale. No refund will be made for no-shows.
If you miss a class, you can still receive the handouts at the class, or by appointment.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
AOI
YAMAGUCHI
Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Aoi Yamaguchi has been trained to master the basics of calligraphy by learning under the Master Zuiho Sato since at the age of 6, and is a recipient of numerous awards. she has performed and exhibited her works in many galleries, museums, universities and festivals in the United States, across Europe, and Japan. Her works show her exploration in juxtaposing the traditional Eastern classics and her contemporary artistic expressions, as well as her unique ambition of transforming two-dimensional art of Japanese Calligraphy into the art of physical expression through performances. Currently residing in Venice, California, Yamaguchi continues her work on her conceptual calligraphy installations, exhibitions, and performances as she continues to push the boundaries of traditional Eastern classics and contemporary artistic expression.