Sosekido

The school Sosekido (素石堂) was formed by my sensei, Unkotsu Komine (小峰雲骨) many years ago. I was 13 years old when I first met him, and it was the beginning of my long-time calligraphy path.

Event News – Berlin Meets Tokyo

Since late autumn last year, we’ve been preparing for this coming exhibition, Berlin Meets Tokyo in Berlin, which German-Japanese Society in Berlin (Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Berlin) is organising. For Sosekido, as a calligraphy school, this is the first time to exhibit in Germany and the students are very excited, specially this is a quite big event of 20 year anniversary of friendship between Berlin and Tokyo. 50 artists have been selected for the event.

 

Three of my students and I myself have been chosen. I must say, they have worked very hard during this time. The day of delivery, they were even more motivated and wanted to make it better. Perhaps they may have thought the work wasn’t perfect, but I think it’s a good opportunity to improve their calligraphy. You can practice for years and criticise yourself in the class but nothing gives you bigger step than putting your work in an exhibition. First of all, your work will look much much better in the exhibition space. And secondly, you will see your work objectively and find a new criticism, but in a good way.

When I first participated in an exhibition, I didn’t think I was good enough. The last day of sending the work to the mounting, I thought my work was horrible and not worth paying so much money on the frame. But when I arrived at the exhibition, I couldn’t find my work. It looked good in the frame and the light. It was nothing terrible even among other works from more experienced calligraphers. Of course, it wasn’t perfect but it certainly gave me a confidence and the feeling of I could be better. I simply hope that my students feel the same way.

The exhibition starts on the 8th of March until the 16th. Only 8 days but there will be calligraphy workshop (not by me!) and origami workshop. If you happen to be in Berlin, please come and have a look.

The place Gutshaus Steglitz is in Stegliz, in the southwest part of Berlin. If you see me there, please come to say hello!

Written by: Juju Kurihara