Experimental work done after the strict discipline of the Zen workshop, playing with salt, pre-wetting the paper, and using large sheets of watercolour paper
Tag Archives: art workshop
Zen Brushwork Workshops
Detail of Dai ji zai
Mu Ichi Butsu
I have recently attended two Zen Brushwork workshops which are only allowed to happen online due to current restrictions.
The first workshop was beamed into my studio from Kyoto, Japan and was led by Sarah sensei and Inoue sensei. The whole experience was new to me, involving strict disciplines of Zazen (sitting meditation), Yoki-Ho (30 minute warm up exercise), Kusho (writing in the air) followed by painting the Kanji (Japanese characters) with Japanese ink and brush. The Kanji we painted was Dai ji zai, translated variously as ‘complete freedom’, ‘great freedom’ or ‘great unhinderedness’.
The second workshop was led by Jos Hadfield, working from Cornwall, again on Zoom. The Kanji we painted was Mu Ichi Butsu, which translates as ‘Owning no-thing’.
I really enjoyed the gestural mark making but fully appreciate I have a long way to go with this discipline which also feeds back into my study of Tai Ji and my painting.
Drawing the Figure in Motion art workshop at Rhosygilwen
Great feedback from participants attending the workshop I ran at Rhosygilwen. Jo Shapland was excellent as ever, a tremendous model who fully understands my philosophy in teaching through my understanding of Tai Chi.
“It has been a very stimulating, energising and influential day”
“Different and interesting from any life drawing workshop I’ve been to. Enjoyed it”
“Really enjoyed every second of it, some great things to think about and take forward into my own work”
“For me, a new approach to drawing and one that I found fascinating. I love the connections with not just the model who was excellent, but the participation of everybody. Thank you very much and I look forward to another workshop in the future”
September issue of Pembrokeshire Life magazine
Great to see the current issue of Pembrokeshire Life magazine which has got a feature written by Jenny White (Swansea based writer and critic) describing my exhibition and a series of workshops at Rhosygilwen throughout September. Start of a new body of work encompassing video, painting on scrolls and sculpture concerning my long term study and interest in Tai Chi.
‘Wet + Dry’ Painting and Drawing Workshop 6th April 2013
I will be running a painting and drawing workshop entitled ‘Wet + Dry’ on Saturday 6th April 2013 at Oriel y Parc in St Davids, from 11am to 4pm. This workshop is one of my series of ‘Going with the Flow’ workshops and will incorporate aspects of the practice of Qigong and Tai Chi in the approach to the work.
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