Shodo

It’s a lot of work and I have an online course, so why go through all the trouble? When I first wanted to learn Japanese Calligraphy, I didn’t now where to start. So I bought a book and figured I could teach myself. This was the late 90’s-- the internet was not as useful as it is today. I read the book, followed all the instructions and exercises but my calligraphy didn’t look … [Read more...] about The Reason I Teach Workshops

I have a tattoo on my right shoulder. I got it one spring when I was 22 years old. It’s a bull skull wearing a chef hat with "Puerto Rico" written on a banner hanging from one of its horns. I designed it myself and didn’t show it to anybody before I had it inked. Maybe I should’ve, but to this day I don’t regret it. People get tattoos for many different reasons, and it’s a … [Read more...] about Should you get a Japanese Calligraphy Tattoo?

As the New Year approaches, I start to be aware that I have to change the year number on the dates of my calligraphies. I’ll be one of those people who’ll still write 2016 well into the middle of January. So I have to make a conscious effort to make sure I’m writing the correct year. I don’t always date my calligraphies in Japanese, but when I do, I like to use the traditional … [Read more...] about How to write the Japanese years

About 10% of the population is left handed. When I teach Shodo during my workshops I always ask first: “Is anyone left handed?”, before starting to explain the rules of writing or how to brush the basic strokes. They look at me a bit concerned. “Uh oh, is it going to be hard for me to do this because I’m left handed?” The answer is, unfortunately, yes. But not because you are … [Read more...] about Can you practice Shodo left handed?

I primary support Gohitsu Shodo Studio, financially, by selling my calligraphy. It’s my number one source of revenue; my two online courses closely follow second. However, I just recently stopped taking commissions and now sell my calligraphy strictly through my Online Shop. I only offer calligraphies with words that resonate with me. I actually find it extremely hard to sell … [Read more...] about 5 things to consider when selling your calligraphy