The key to Japanese calligraphy as art: “why not?” | Kumiko (Pt. 1) | RONJIRU JAPAN

Award-winning Japanese calligraphy artist, Kumiko, discusses her unconventional take on “The Way of Calligraphy” in this excerpt from Episode 3 of the RONJIRU JAPAN podcast. Shodo—the Japanese word for calligraphy—has a long tradition of instilling respect in its students; respect for the tools of the trade, respect for experiencing all of the five senses in that moment, and respect for emptying the mind and focusing only on the task at hand.

It is influenced by Zen, like many other Japanese traditions such as flower arrangement and the tea ceremony, and Kumiko understands the importance of these precepts.

But while many traditional calligraphy teachers instruct their students to take a few deep breaths, calm their mind, stop talking, forget about everything else, sit upright with their backs straight and then just write, Kumiko has a different approach.

Japanese calligraphy is the art of expression. She teaches her students to embrace their emotions, and apply the brush-and-ink fundamentals that she has taught them to give artistic expression to the feelings they have inside. Her students chat during lessons. They walk around the classroom. They laugh and enjoy. And they write.

Whereas some teachers demand “no chatting” or “don’t think of other things”, she simply says “why not?” The goal is to express oneself. And the wisdom of her approach to Japanese calligraphy shows in the work of her students, many of whom go on to win calligraphy awards after learning the basics from her, and then reaching inside themselves to create art pieces that are original and free, and speak directly to the heart of those who see the work.

This episode provides insights into Japanese calligraphy, from someone who knows it well.

NOTE: all calligraphic artwork is by KUMIKO. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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