Our calligraphy workshops are usually held as group lessons, but private workshops are also available.
We recently welcomed a family from Turkey for a private workshop arranged as a special birthday memory for the woman’s husband.
At the beginning of the lesson, we practiced simple, straight lines and basic characters to get everyone used to using the brush.
After that, they chose from several kanji options that matched the sounds of their name and practiced writing them. The family name was Tolak, and the kanji they chose was途楽.
途 (toh) means “road” or “path.”
楽 (raku, similar to lak) means “joy” or “fun.”
Together, 途楽can mean “a joyful path” or “an enjoyable journey.”
途 (toh) means “road” or “path.”
楽 (raku, similar to lak) means “joy” or “fun.”
Together, 途楽can mean “a joyful path” or “an enjoyable journey.”
After almost one hour of practice, the husband was ready to write on a shikishi board.
His daughter was still very young, so she watched most of the lesson from the side. But at the end, she had a very important role to play.
His daughter was still very young, so she watched most of the lesson from the side. But at the end, she had a very important role to play.
Usually, we place a small seal in the lower left corner of the board. This time, instead of a seal, we added her handprint!
We used an ink pad made for taking children’s handprints and footprints. It is gentle on the skin and can be removed easily with a wet wipe. Children’s hands grow so quickly. Because her hand is still small, it fit beautifully beside the calligraphy. Perhaps someday, when she grows up, the family will look at it and remember just how small her hand was when they traveled to Japan.
We used an ink pad made for taking children’s handprints and footprints. It is gentle on the skin and can be removed easily with a wet wipe. Children’s hands grow so quickly. Because her hand is still small, it fit beautifully beside the calligraphy. Perhaps someday, when she grows up, the family will look at it and remember just how small her hand was when they traveled to Japan.
After the workshop, I received the following message from the wife who planned this birthday workshop:
“This was one of the most unforgettable experiences on our trip to Japan. Every time we look at our calligraphy, we will remember you and this beautiful day with a smile.”
Calligraphy workshops can be customized for special occasions. Please contact us about ideas and options.
