This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
Craftsmanship: 芸
Japanese Kanji, “芸” (Gei) carries various meanings related to art, talent, skill, or performance. It’s often used in words related to the arts, entertainment, and craftsmanship. This character is significant in Japanese culture, especially in contexts where creativity and mastery are celebrated, such as traditional arts like tea ceremony, calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging), and martial arts like karate and judo. It represents the pursuit of refined expression and the dedication to perfecting one’s craft. In modern usage, it’s also used in compound words referring to various forms of entertainment, such as “芸能” (Geinou) which means “show business” or “entertainment industry.”
Leave a Reply