I would always recommend you all to learn Shodo with a qualified calligraphy teacher. Even if each teacher has a different way of teaching, it is far better than learning at home alone with books and a youtube channel.
If you haven’t got any teacher near by, it is worth finding a good teacher and travel to learn the techniques every few months preferably.
The calligraphy books and the youtube channel are only supplying extra information to compare and provide possible input into your learning process.
I find it is a pity and heart breaking when an enthusiastic person tries to learn Shodo for a while by oneself – and sadly all what he/she did was just wrong movement.
One can not learn the art of Shodo by your self at all. You could maintenance it once you buid a solid foundation but not start it from scratch just like other Do-Art (Judo, Karatedo, Sado, Kado..). It is not possible because one needs to see the hands on guidance and practise it together in a specific process to complete the stage.
The way of doing basic techniques you learned from your teacher should always remain the same. Otherwise it would become terribly confusing if you pick up other ways of doing a particular technique.
Zen text working progress from Michael’san
I have some students around Europe who come and learn in some intensitive private sessions or workshops a few times a year. (at least once a year) They are from all levels like beginners to the master class and have various backgrounds and professions. Surprisingly they all keep up their skills and keep brushing up new techniques everytime I see them.
I am more and more convinced that my original method is working for many – including some Japanese students young to senior.
And I am constantly discovering new elements in the art of Shodo as well as the way of teaching.
These are from one of my distance learners, Marco-san in the U.K. – Seishos are corrected and feedback is given.
If you live in Germany, France or Switzerland- U.K., Europe, you are always welcome to learn through my method and later you could continue your practice by distance learning.
I hope you are enjoying these hot sunny days! Are you brushing up your calligraphy skills?! Or doing more stroke-practice?!
Before the summer holiday ends, I would like to post an Otehon for the month of August.
The summery text you can not avoid ….
Yes, “Goldfish”!!
“Aka-i-kin-gyo (Jap) ~ Red goldfish”
*Akai: Red
*Kingyo: Goldfish (Kin; Gold +Gyo; Fish)
*4 Kanjis and 1 Hiragana
Please check all balance lines, composition frames and some tips above.
Each Kanji have more less a clear middle line. Always start with a clear angle and check which brush technique should be applied.(side or direct brushings)
Recommended brush size is the medium to the big. Both hard or soft haired are suitable for this text.
小: Hane-Jumping technique ; directly before sarting the jumping, the curve should go little outwards(to the right hand side). More cursuve than straight. The Hane Jumping does not need to be big.
春: Three horizontal lines are in 1. bending upwards, 2.straight up, 3. bending downwards
Left Harai: A long streching lune. Just before letting the enegry/pressure out, try to open the hair little bit.
Right Harau : Starting calmly rather thin and gradually opening the hair. Always checking the balance.
Before you do the Sun”at the end, check the middle line and adjust. The right vertical line of the Sun should be longer.
Happy Practice!!
