The Japanese word shodo means the way of writing, and this is how Japanese refer to what we in the West call calligraphy. It means to train the mind and the hand to acquire a mastery of moving the brush. But contrary to the esthetic values of Western calligraphy, which are mainly based on beautiful and graceful handwriting, the Japanese concept of traditional Shodo refers to a method of body and mind integration which brings the artist nearer to the original source of creative activity. The saying “to paint, you should forget painting”, which refers to the highest stage of sumi painting, is also applicable to calligraphy. Once an artist reaches a complete mastery of technique no obstacles are left and the source of creation is unveiled. That is the authentic way of Japanese calligraphy.
Arts18 Jan 2010 03:43 am
