Atelier Towa, Aoi Yamaguchi’s own atelier in Venice, California, offers hands-on Japanese calligraphy workshops and lessons Intimate small-group session will motivate you to learn with peers and let you focus on practicing and improving your skills. Each workshop program is designed to introduce and explore different styles and aspect of the art of Japanese calligraphy. Available sessions will be listed as they are scheduled. Choose a session that suits your level and goals!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Japanese calligraphy “shodo” workshop for Beginners is designed for all beginners
taught by Aoi Yamaguchi, focusing on the basic brushworks.
We’re in the process of the renewal of the program.
There will be no classes offered in February and March 2024, and
stay tuned for April 2024!
INTRODUCTION TO SHODO:
Online Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners
In this 5-day online course of hands-on workshop designed for first-time youth & adult beginners, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: an introduction to a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, Japanese writing system and calligraphy styles, proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be practicing Kanji on hanshi calligraphy paper, with in-depth lectures on basic brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called Kaisho (楷書). By the end of the course, you will complete learning the The Eight Principles of Yong: 8 most common strokes in regular script. We will work on creating a final piece, and focus on the balance between mind and body. You will be familiar with your own brush, and learn how to be present in the moment physically and spiritually stroke by stroke.
Spring 2024
5-day Course
Session 1: SATURDAY APRIL 13, 2024 | 10am – 12:00pm PST
Session 2: SATURDAY APRIL 27, 2024 | 10AM – 12:00PM PST
Session 3: SATURDAY MAY 11, 2024 | 10am – 12:00pm PST
Session 4: MAY 25, 2024 | 10am – 12:00PM PST
Session 5: JUNE 8, 2024 | 10am – 12:00pm pst
MEET ON ZOOM
Online Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for Returning Students
Refine Your Brushwork with Continued Study
In this 1.5 hours hands-on workshop, get a further exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. Participants will be introduced to the chosen character for the month, with in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called “Kaisho”. We will practice the chosen character on hanshi paper.
April Session – 卯月の会
Sunday, April 14, 2024 10:00am – 11:30am PST
SEASONS is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops
to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.
SEASONS 04
April 卯月
桜 Sakura
-Cherry Blossoms-
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Tea Pairing
SEASONS is a series of Japanese calligraphy workshops taught by Aoi Yamaguchi focusing on the innate beauty of the transition from one season to another captured in poetry. There are hundreds of kigo (季語, “season word”), which is a word or phrase associated with a particular season used in traditional forms of Japanese poetry.
The April session, in collaboration with Tea at Shiloh, will be 桜 (sakura) or Cherry Blossoms, which is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the transience of beauty in Japanese culture. We will embrace the ephemeral yet vibrant beauty of the spring through tea pairing and Japanese calligraphy.
The evening will have two parts: First, guests will be introduced to the artist’s selection of haiku poems with 桜 (cherry blossom) to inspire, which will be paired with a cup of selected tea by Tea at Shiloh. After nourishing our mind and body through this sensory experience, we will dive into the practice of Japanese calligraphy. We will go over a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, calligraphy tools and supplies, as well as proper posture to focus on the present. You will begin to explore how the self is reflected in your own writing. Guests will practice the kanji character “桜” on up to 20 sheets of hanshi paper and take their own finished artworks home as souvenir from the evening.
This workshop is designed for adult beginners. No prior experience or knowledge of Japanese is necessary.
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Fee: $125 per seat
Location:
Tea at Shiloh
2035 Bay St: Los Angeles, 90021
Age requirement:
The workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.
Materials:
All calligraphy supplies and materials needed for the workshop will be provided. The lesson will be taught in English. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not necessary.