The Second Calligraphy Class ２度目の書の時間

Yesterday was the second calligraphy class at dojō.

We started with practicing lines as warm ups. Then students chose what they want to work on from 「忍」(nin, perseverance)、「火」(hi, fire) and 「秋」(aki, autumn). They used water with magic sheet and a brush to practice.

We end by creating art works while learning about the paper and brush handling with ink.

Look at these beautiful finished work from my students!

I can’t believe this is their first time learning these characters. Especially for 「秋」, this was their first time even seeing it. It’s so amazing!

In this month class, as an instructor, I tried deliberately not to explain too much and let the students have ample time to reflect and practice their writing. I think it worked really well. Compared to Japanese people in Japan, they don’t have presumptions or their personal habits of writing the characters. It starts fresh so maybe it’s easier to implement the corrections and adjustments right away.

I heard that they’ve all acquired water sheets and ink calligraphy sets though gifting each other and purchasing for themselves to use at home. I was asked to give a class to introduce how to start the ink calligraphy set. It is the best feeling as a calligrapher to have a passionate students! The lesson will come soon as per their request.

I am already looking forward to next month! Thank you as always for the good times!

昨夜は２度目の書のクラスでした。最初は線を練習しながらウォームアップ。それから簡単に字の説明をして、忍者に人気の「忍」、忍術と関係のある「火」、この季節の「秋」。それぞれ選んで水かき書道で練習。

紙の裏表や墨の含ませ方なども一緒に学びながら、最後は墨で清書。

みなさん、この日初めて練習する漢字とは思えないほどの出来栄え。しかも「秋」は全く見るのも聞くのもこの日が初めてという漢字！ゼロからのスタート。素晴らしすぎる！感動です。

今回は前回の反省点を活かして（自分が）「喋りすぎない」を実行。１時間、静かにたっぷり字と向き合えたかと思います。日本人の私達とは逆に、漢字を習ったことがない分、くせや思い込みもなく吸収も早い。コツを少しお教えするとすぐに反映される。

聞くところによると、自宅用の水かき書道と、墨の書道セットを購入されたり、お誕生日にプレゼントしあったりして、みなさん両方お手元にあるとか！早速、書道具の使い方クラスのリクエストもあり、近々開催予定です。ああ、もう書道家冥利に尽きる！！

また来月も楽しみです。学びの時間をありがとうございました。