SUMI-E workshops for secondary schools given by Takumasa OnoSumie is a traditional Japanese art form, which was introduced from China many years ago. It has developed over the centuries and is very different from Chinese ink paintings. Like European oil painters, the Chinese use a variety of colours in their paintings whereas the Japanese use only black ink to describe a subject in a very simple way. Takumasa Ono is a well known Japanese artist. He first came to England in 1999 to paint the National Trust properties as an official artist of the Association of National Trusts in Japan. In 2001 he again came to England to take part in the "Japan 2001" cultural exchange project. He was invited to exhibit his organic water ink sketches in his HENRO Exhibition at various venues belonging to the National Trust in the UK. He also toured around some primary schools, teaching children how to paint in the traditional Japanese brush and ink style. Initially he planned to give only six lessons but this number increased in response to many requests and he actually taught twelve lessons at six primary schools to children ranging from five to eleven years of age. Because of the interest shown by children in Japanese washi paper, and fude brush pens, he has decided to hold sumi-e classes in 2003. An exhibition of paintings done by children attending these workshops took place at the Japanese Embassy in London in 2004. The aim of the workshops is to further the cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our two nations. We would also like to extend the workshops throughout the United Kingdom to include both Scotland and Ireland so that people in all four countries will be able to experience the true meaning of cultural exchange. Description of a one day course Takumasa will first give a demonstration to all students, painting a picture in ink on a large piece of paper. This demonstration will last about 30 minutes. The students will then be divided into two or three classes with a maximum of 30 per class. Takumasa would like one or two people to assist him during the class and form teachers would, of course, be most welcome. Fude pens and paper will be provided but he would be grateful if you would provide one or two leaves for each child and a paper towel for wiping their hands and brushes on. Takumasa will sit on the floor with his paper and brush in front of him. The teacher should instruct the students to sit on the floor around him so that they can see clearly. Takumasa would be grateful if the teacher could explain about sumi-e painting to the students, before he begins his demonstration. When he has finished his demonstration, the students will be handed a piece of washi and a fude pen and will be asked to have a go at painting their leaf. Once they have got the knack, they will each be handed a piece of special washi paper on which to paint their prefered picture. When they are satisfied with their work they should take it to Takumasa who will write the student's name in Japanese and put a seal on each painting. Extra washi paper should be handed round so that the children can practise some more, if they get bored waiting. For further information, contact with Mari Ono Tel&Fax 01452 71 4112 57 SANDYCROFT RD CHURCHDOWN GLOS. GL3 1JQ ENGLAND e-mail: mari.ono@virgin.net >>top |
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