6TH SEPTEMBER BEGINS MY ARTIST IN RESIDENCY AT STONY POINT CENTER IN NY.
I WELCOME YOU TO COME AND VISIT ME HERE. WE CAN HAVE TEA TOGETHER.
I WILL BE HERE UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER.
I DO NOT HAVE ANY WORK YET AS I HAVE JUST ARRIVED.
PLEASE VISIT AFTER A FEW WEEKS IF YOU WISH TO SEE SOME COMPLETED ART.
ALSO, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF PLAN TO VISIT.
SOME DAYS I WILL BE AWAY.
http://stonypointcenter.org/

Asako Yamada is a calligrapher, born, raised, and residing in Tokyo, Japan. Asako creates and teaches calligraphy mostly around the Tokyo region. She also has workshops, shows and projects all around Japan. Recently she has been showing and teaching internationally.

She explains;

Calligraphy is “an art of the moment.” There is no draft. One can write on a tremendous number of papers to complete one work. When a moment of unique balance, clarity and expressiveness appears on paper, it’s done.

The process can be likened to the classical music piece “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel.

Calligraphy uses only the color of black and its variations. Basically, it presents the spirit of a word. I think that it is deeply related to Yin / Yang thought.

The best answer to a question is not only one answer. Contradictory answers always exist. But in the end both poles turn out to be one. Expressing both is the art.

“Above and below” ,“light and shadow” or “the other” emerges in the one. Opposite aspects of a meaning, those that conflict- I focus attention on both sides when I work.

In 2015, when I visited the Stony Point Center for the first time, I learned that the Center is a multi-faith community dedicated to the practice and study of hospitality, nonviolence and justice. I was very impressed! You have found the answer to many questions of suffering we have faced for a long time. This is my feeling.

I had been pondering what those conflicts were about.

The answer I found has to do with Distance and Connection- there is a grey zone in between the world’s people. It can be a chasm, between us. It can also be bridged.

It is very abstract, but that is the answer which I have been seeking.

Now I am very happy that I can realize my calligraphic exhibition and workshops here. I appreciate such an opportunity given by the Center.

About my Workshop

In Japan, people believe in “Kotodama” from the ancient time. “Kotodama” means that a word has a spiritual power. It is said that a word articulated is empowered.

In my workshop, I motivate people to write “words”. Much can be found inside a word; its “Kotodama.”

After the workshop, participants realize how the words they wrote, now can encourage them.

Participants don’t learn the traditional, the classical Calligraphy art training. It is a calligraphy of unique expression. It is the spirit of zen calligraphy. It is not difficult at all. Will you join me for a … Moment?

Please join me, and wear clothes you can dirty with ink.