17/08/2025
Who's up for Zen Brushwork?
Saturday 30th August
£5 to reserve your place
Contact Andy 07786324635
Drawing on the Zen tradition of calligraphy, Zen Brushwork works primarily with ki, or energy. Using a large brush, the intention is to let go of thinking and allow the whole body to connect with the physical act of making a mark: to become one with the brush.
The focus of the practice is to relax body/mind and allow ki to flow freely, through energy raising exercises - yokiho - and sitting meditation - zazen.
In the course of the day we will work with mujibō, the Zen line, ensō, the Zen
circle, and complete the day by brushing Mu, ‘no-thing’, on Japanese paper.
Ink, brushes and paper will be supplied. No experience necessary.
Stephen Hopkins and Carolyn Blake have been practicing Zen calligraphy for more than twenty years, both here in the UK and in Tokyo, firstly with Terayama Tanchu Sensei, and latterly with Sarah Moate Sensei. They often give workshops in Herefordshire, where they live, and regularly practice together at Carolyn’s studio near Hay on Wye.
