Japanese Shodo Calligraphy - Zen Brush

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Learn about Shodo calligraphy using traditional materials such Japanese sumi ink and fude brushes on washi paper on this online course from Drawing and Painting Studio!

About Japanese Shodo Calligraphy - Zen Brush

Listed Under Arts and Crafts Events / Health and Wellbeing Events / Workshops Events

We will practice Shodo calligraphy and learn about using traditional materials such Japanese sumi ink and fude brushes on washi paper. This is a relaxed online group suitable for both beginners and those with more experience.

Beginning with some simple marks and strokes with the ink, then working from inspiring Chinese and Japanese kanji characters, relating to nature, meditation, poetry or Zen.

We enjoy trying out the different styles, exploring with our own hands how the kanji and their meanings developed. This is a practice where we can really enjoy using the ink and brushes, and be totally immersed in the moment of brushing the character, naturally embracing our imperfections without judgement, and feeling grounded.

With demonstrations and friendly help from artist Blair Thomson, who is a member of Glasgow Zen Group and first studied Shodo in Osawano, Japan with calligraphy Master Wakabayashi, then Shodo and Shakyo sutra tracing at Japanese Zen and other temples with monks and nuns, and more recently with highly respected and kind teachers in Tokyo. In 2025 Blair was awarded a Special Selection prize (Tokusen 特選) for Shodō calligraphy at the 73rd Shokaisha Exhibition 第73回書海社展 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Great also for folk with an interest in Japanese or Chinese culture or arts or language, Zen or Buddhism, and no previous experience is needed to take part in these groups.

Even if you don’t have traditional calligraphy materials, you can still take part with simple materials such as a brushpen. At the group Blair will advise you about which materials are ideal to use.

Booking is through Eventbrite, after you book we will email you the Zoom link and details for the group. Sorry but tickets are non-refundable. You can come early for a cup of tea and settle in. If you would like to find out more please contact us.

To see past Japanese calligraphy activities, please check the Japanese calligraphy news page: drawingandpaintingstudio.com

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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