I hold a regular calligraphy workshop at a variety shop in Sydney, and I thought I’d write about it in this post. Most of the participants are Australians who are extremely interested in Japanese culture and arts, and come in because they’re taking the initiative to learn more about them. It gives me great pleasure to share calligraphy with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and our exchanges end up being wonderful learning experiences for me, too.
The workshop takes place at a variety shop in Sydney that carries Japanese goods. The shop is owned by an Australian who takes great care to promote Japanese stationery, crafts, and lifestyle goods. Based on that tie-in, I was invited to come in as an instructor to hold regular calligraphy classes. The people who participate say it feels extra special to be able to experience calligraphy in a place that feels so Japanese.
Most first-time participants come in with nervous looks on their faces. Many have never picked up a calligraphy brush before, and you can just feel them wondering whether they’ll be able to do it well or worrying about making a total mess of it. But I start them off by just practicing drawing lines, and once I take the time to explain how to hold the brush and how to regulate pressure, you can see their anxiousness gradually melt away. By the time they start drawing circles and zigzags, and get the knack of holding steady pressure on the brush from the top to bottom of a piece of calligraphy paper, they’re smiling and telling me how fun it is. And the more they pay attention to the scent of the ink and the feel of the brush on the paper, the more they start to naturally relax and soften their expressions.
The more they get used to it, the more everyone starts to smile and let go enough to enjoy drawing their lines and characters. Every time I hear someone tell me how much more fun it is than they expected, or how the time seems to disappear while they’re engrossed in writing, the more I realize the power calligraphy has. Nothing is more encouraging to me than when they start showing each other their work at the end, saying how much fun they had and how excited they are to come back.
I have a few students who attend regularly, and it’s such a joy to see them improving a little each time. I’m deeply moved by how calligraphy allows people to get in touch with the culture and soul of Japan, and by the fact that Australians are so open to the experience. Day after day, I’m able to witness the power of Japanese art and tradition to stir the hearts of people all over the world.