Coming into KCJS, I was certain that I would join a club for my CIP project. I was excited to interact with college-aged students at Doshisha and learn more about circle culture. However, when I found out that my host mother was good friends with a calligraphy teacher, I was immediately interested. I had never tried calligraphy, English or otherwise, and found myself drawn to it.
Not to state the obvious, but calligraphy is really difficult: there is a posture for it, you have to have the right tools and set up your paper in the correct manner. As the semester progressed, I also came to realize that there is a proper headspace for writing something well-balanced and appealing to the eye. Taking calligraphy this semester really helped me to think about the relationship between artist, brush, paper, ink, and final product – as an art history major, making these connections was important. I found myself looking forward to returning each week in order to learn more and progress my technique.
Most valuable of all, however, is the relationship that I formed with the calligraphy teacher, Asakusa-sensei. At first, I wasn’t sure how to communicate with her. As time progressed, though, she began helping me with Japanese as I helped her with English. Our conversations ranged from clothes to earthquakes. Although the typical teacher-student relationship can be quite rigid, I feel as though I have earned a true friend within Asakusa-sensei. At the end of each lesson, we would chat over tea and a snack. She introduced me to interesting aspects of Japanese culture, like how to wear a kimono, the tofu truck, and we even went to see the emperor of Japan drive by when he was visiting Kyoto. Her guidance and warmth has encouraged me to continue pursuing calligraphy when I return to the United States.
I encourage anyone who is unsure of what to pursue for their CIP project to outstep the limits of your own mind. The most valuable things that I gained from my CIP was the experience in a new art form and the companionship of my teacher – you can find such treasures all around Kyoto, if you just look a little bit outside of your comfort zone.
Dylan, I’m so impressed by your dedication to calligraphy! There are so many more factors involved in writing calligraphy than I had previously thought.
When you say there is a certain headspace for writing, what do you mean by that? Do you concentrate very hard when writing or are you able to think about other things? Also, I think I remember you telling me that your lessons are one-on-one. Is that an aspect you’ve enjoyed about the class?
Also, it seems you’ve made a real friend in Asakusa-sensei! Will you keep in touch?
Thank you Franny!
By headspace I mean that, at least for me, I need to be somewhere between focused and unfocused. There’s a sweet spot, I think. Not trying too hard to create something but also being aware of the moment. Difficult to explain! I did enjoy that the lessons were one-on-one, a lot. I hope to keep in touch with Asakusa-sensei!
Thank you Franny!
By headspace I mean that, at least for me, I need to be somewhere between focused and unfocused. There’s a sweet spot, I think. Not trying too hard to create something but also being aware of the moment. Difficult to explain! I did enjoy that the lessons were one-on-one, a lot. I hope to keep in touch with Asakusa-sensei!
Dylan I’m so happy to know that you enjoy your CIP and build a strong relationship with sensei! I’m taking sumie for my CIP which I think somehow very similar to calligraphy. for sumie, I think the most difficult part is how much force you should press onto the brush. What you think is the most difficult part in calligraphy?
Dylan, I find it so impressive that you decided to go with calligraphy for your CIP!
The brief experiences I’ve had with calligraphy have all proved it to be an extremely difficult discipline to even do at an okay level.
Did you find yourself improving as you were taught the proper techniques? Were you in a class with other people your age? Will you continue calligraphy when you go back home if you can?
I’m glad you enjoyed your CIP!!
Hiiii Dylan!
I think it’s so cool that you picked up a skill that you never expected to pursue during your time here! I kinda wish I had taken up something unexpected like Calligraphy! Do you think you’ll ever be interested in trying other styles/languages of Calligraphy?
Isn’t making friends with older senseis the best?!?! I feel like your experience with your calligraphy teacher and mine with my dance teacher are very similar! Was there a learning curve in your relationship with her, or were you close from the start?