start the new year through the tradition of Kakizome: a calligraphy journey to manifest your aspirations
Calligrapher Lanka will introduce you the way of writing, Shodo/書道 and Kakizome 書き初め to help you get clear on your new years resolutions and manifest them into a beautiful artwork.
Kakizome (書き初め) refers to the tradition of writing the first calligraphy of the year, typically done on or around January 2nd. It is a cultural practice rooted in the expression of one's aspirations, resolutions, and good wishes for the upcoming year through the art of calligraphy.
During Kakizome, you choose meaningful words, phrases, or characters that reflect your personal goals, hopes, and themes for the new year. The act of creating calligraphy during this time is considered auspicious and is believed to set a positive tone for the coming year.
You can engage in Kakizome not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a way to cultivate mindfulness, reflection, and intention-setting for the year ahead. It is a practice that combines the beauty of calligraphy with the symbolism of new beginnings, making it a significant cultural and artistic tradition in Japan.
In Lanka's hands-on calligraphy workshop, you will be guided through the basics of this ancient art form. From mastering the use of brush and ink to refining posture and manners, this immersive experience sets the stage for a deeper connection with Japanese calligraphy.
As you delve into the fundamentals of Japanese calligraphy, they will culminate in the creation of a word or phrase of your choosing. These characters will take center stage in your own personal artwork, capturing the essence of your New Year's aspirations and serving as a reminder of your intentions throughout the year.
You will leave this workshop relaxed, inspired and equipped to incorporate Japanese calligraphy into your own art. Join us for a unique and enriching experience where the art of Kakizome becomes a vehicle for introspection, mindfulness, and the manifestation of your goals in a visually stunning and personally meaningful way. Let your resolutions take shape on paper, creating a masterpiece that resonates with the spirit of your personal intentions.
About Lanka
Japanese calligraphy artist LANKA was born in Hokkaido, Japan. She started learning shūji [習字] when she was 7 year old and stopped when she entered junior high school.
LANKA started to practise shodō [書道] at the Japanese calligraphy institute in 2012. After two years of study, she obtained a master’s level. At the post-graduate course, she kept learning Japanese calligraphy 4 more years. She has won awards and her work has been shown at public exhibitions during her study at the institute.
LANKA moved to the Netherlands in 2018 and since then she has been working on her own artworks and expressions within Japanese calligraphy.
See her profil here.