Calligraphy – Origami and Meditative Japanese SHODO Workshop - Beginners & Improvers [SSK]

Course intent

You will learn the beautiful art of origami and Japanese Shodo. “Shodo" is a Japanese word translated as "the way of artistic handwriting or beautiful writing".

The depth of beauty in Shodo is the result of diverse techniques accompanied with a flow of brush and ink, essentially with an inner stillness and spiritual concentration

You will learn the basic principles of writing Japanese using traditional materials of a brush, ink and paper. From making your first brush strokes, you will go on to create lovely Japanese characters on Japanese paper. You will also learn how to make the popular origami ‘Orizuru', or paper crane and decorate it with your final writing piece.

Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.

What will we cover?

• Which paper to use

• Paper grain
• Step by step origami instruction
• Precision folding
• An introduction to Japanese Calligraphy tools and materials
• Japanese calligraphy ink and how it differs from other calligraphy inks
• Brush techniques
• Basic steps to create Shodo characters
• Working in a meditative and mindful way.

Learners will be inspired by examples of Shodo and Origami. There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner on their Individual Learning Plan.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Anyone interested in Japanese art and culture – no knowledge of the language is necessary as Shodo are ideograms. This means each one has its own meaning and corresponds to a word. The tutor is a Japanese speaker and will guide you through the steps needed to write and understand what you have written in Japanese.

We teach our courses in English, so please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

• Wear dark colours, old clothes or wear an apron

• Some paper for practising on such as newspaper or misprinted A4 paper.

We will provide ink and paper for your finished work and a Japanese brush for you to use on the day.

• If you have your own Japanese brushes and materials or origami paper, please bring them along.

Your tutor can advise you where to buy your own materials to continue at home.

What can I do when I finish the course?

Learners can progress onto other Calligraphy or Arts & Crafts courses with SAL.

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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