Calligraphy workshops in Antwerp
Calligraphy Workshops with Kaz Tanahashi
Antwerpen May 17-19th and October 11-13th 2013
For several years now, Kazuaki Tanahashi (1933) – everyone calls him « Kaz » - is invited by the Ho Sen Dojo of Antwerpen, where he conducts a 3-days calligraphy workshop, participants travel from the Netherlands, Germany, France, even Sweden…
Kaz is the pupil of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. In the sixties, he worked with Shunryu Suzuki in San Francisco, on the first translation of the Shobogenzo in modern Japanese. The full translation was completed after some 50 years of work. As an artist, his calligraphies highly coloured have an international reputation. Kaz who lives since 1977 in Bekerly-California, has been recognized Fellow of the Worlds Academy of Art and Science, and he is considered as one of the founders of the American Zen.
Workshops are open to all, whether experienced calligraphers or beginners. The day starts with zazen. Then the tables are put up and the dojo turns into a workshop : ink cups, brushes, papers are prepared with great care. Drawing the first line on the paper is always a magic moment – and in the end isn't each line the first one and the last one? The brush shows any hesitation, the slightest uncertainty is reflected in each line, we observe afterwards with curiosity.
« Everything is transient », says Jaz, « except the Indian ink », is an old calligraphers’ joke. He asks to observe carefully how we judge ourselves on the result of what have just done. When we let go of frustration and dissatisfaction, we can be open, serene and joyfully present at the moment. « Smile when you hold the brush », he tells us. « When you notice you are not longer smiling, lay down your brush, observe what is there and smile. »
With full attention, we copy examples of hundred years old characters, of different styles. In turns he comes to see us. When he stands behind us and directs our hand, our brush, all we can do is to follow in complete confidence.
On Saturday night we have a party : there is an exhibition of the works of Kaz on the first floor, a concert followed by a reception. There is a good atmosphere, lasting friendships are bonded … On the last day, we experiment working with colours, on a free improvisation. The discipline of the last days is visible and leads to the most amazing results... and for the last time, we move from table to table, to sit down and enjoy the work of each of us.
Further information : Luc De Winter This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.