So holily the snow falls

The kanji 聖 has the meaning of pureness.

The softness of light ink effectively shows how purely, genuinely and quietly it snows.

A woman on fire

I swear!!
After this year’s final calligraphy exhibition.
Following the intracompany exhibition in March and Mother-Daughter Exhibition in August, “the 5th Miki Otake’s Intracompany Exhibition” in November ended with a phenomenal number of visitors. Fellow calligraphers are surprised that I hold the calligraphy exhibition three times a year, saying “you have great energy”. They care about me, automatically thinking that I’m completely exhausted and I can’t concentrate on anything for a while. But I don’t feel tired. I’m rather feeling excited about the future, first, the next year.

Here I swear to you all!!
In 2009, I will do everything I can as much as possible, I will never give it up even if I fail or get laughed at.
Just like I changed myself this year compared to what I was last year, I want myself to be advanced next year.
It is the best gain of this year that I learned that nothing will change unless I make a move. It’s the fact that it’s based on the success of the calligraphy exhibition held three times a year, which could be reckless.
Thanks to backup of people who come to see the exhibition.
I realized again that I am not living alone.
I would like to be a “woman on fire” and return the favor to people who support me.


In 2008, I started to write the blog, which was a new challenge. I also encountered people who visited this blog. Thank you!
I wish everyone good luck for 2009!!

Can’t believe the bone is broken!!??

A misfortune slipped into a space in my mind that took a rest after the 5th Miki Otake’s Intracompany Exhibition (November 19th – 24th).

On December 2nd, the door chime…rang, rang, and rang.
I rushed down to the door just like falling from upstairs (with a weird “snap”!!...??)
The snap came from my left toe. It rapidly got swollen so I put a compress on it. However, pain developed and I went to the hospital.

“It’s broken.”

What!?
I sent e-mails to my friends, “I had my bone broken!” Almost all of them replied to me, “think about your age!”

Oh my God! Did I do something wrong?
My enjoyment in winter, swaggering in heeled boots…is warned with the red light this winter.

The only consolation is a pair of sheepskin boots that my daughter sent to me. I can wear them even with my left foot, which has been fixed and grown large. I’m glad these boots are trendy this year! They are dyed in vivid purple, which is also this year’s trendy color (laugh). Looking at my foot, I spend days with deep sighs....

Imagine!!

Not for Sale.

This is a poem from Yoko Ono that is said to inspire John Lennon to write "Imagine". The poem that uses only imperative forms is sensational.
In it, I saw her strong will and the way of life.

My partners "SANBA"

Today I would like to talk about my partners, brushes…
One of my favorite brushes is a sanba (山馬) brush.
Sanba means “mountain (山) horse (馬)” but it’s not of horsehair. It’s made of hair of a wild deer that lives in the interior Vietnam, and because that wild deer is called “sanma” in that area, it was named “sanba” using kanji山 (san) and馬 (uma) (which is pronounced as sanba as one word). The left in the picture is the sanba, and the right is a common brush.

It has the hardest hair of the brushes. Now the number of wild deer has decreased in Vietnam, which has made the sanba brushes difficult to obtain and expensive.
The picture shows the four brothers of sanba (laugh). The sanba brush with long hair is expensive, and it doesn’t last long while it is expensive…
It is a hassle to wash the brush, and as each hair is coarse, it gets broken if it is washed hard.
When writing with it…it feels hard!

Sanba hair does not contain a lot of ink because of its nature.
Scratchy, strong, and sharp lines are its characteristics, but because this brush is difficult to write with, it’s not common.
Also, there is an interesting brush called nanayou sansaba (七羊三山馬).
This is a unique brush with soft wool and sanba in the ratio of 7 to 3.

I use these brushes depending on the atmosphere of words and poems to be written, and what I like about the sanba brush is its uncalculated lines most of all. Because the brush doesn’t go as I imagine, it can bring unexpectedly interesting lines.

Calligraphy,"SAKANA" The Fish

This kanji 魚 is for fish, from word KINBUN 金文 (ancient letters that were engraved on copper wares in the Bronze Age in China).

In summer, fishes cheerfully jump out of the water. (Summer from the four seasons tapestries)

September

As scheduled in September I got out of shape because of accumulated busyness in the summer. Also I had no free time as usual.

On September 28, the collaboration between Ms. Y, a calligrapher whom I respect, and a famous artist, was held in “Akiyoshidai International Art Village” which is famous for the calcareous cave. Creating impromptu works for two hours each in the morning and afternoon was collision of talents, which showed us the great process of creation and works.

However it was a phrase from Mr. Y’s free talk that was strongly impressive to me - the faith to “write a work that remains for thousand years”.
I have heard these words once before. He advised me to “write a work that remains for thousand years” when I was dithering. He told his clear decision to me. I felt grateful again.

Ms. Y is now lives out of a wheelchair. Being handicapped, she is rather enjoying all of her life saying “I don’t think I am unhappy now. I can write characters that I can write only now.”
When writing on a big piece of paper while she is in the wheelchair, a brush (her arm) cannot reach it. She uses a brush with an extended shaft.
I am moved to tears by her positive and strong way to live and inconvenience that cannot be avoid after all…

The beautiful sound of “thousand years” surges. In contrast to the beautiful sound, I have to make a heavy decision…
I think I have to be prepared to face the endless flow of time.

結 MUSUBU – Mother–Daughter Exhibition.

Here's the greeting message in the collection of works from 結 MUSUBU – Mother–Daughter Exhibition.

On April 6, 2001, my mother passed away peacefully as if she finished fulfilling the mission to live.
Even in the hard battle with the disease, she never whined and continued to care people around her till the end all her life.Her hobbies were flower arrangement and yokyoku, but what is left in a physical form is her ink painting that she started in her later years.
On “Obon”, when my mother is coming back again this year, it is great pleasure that I can hold Mother-Daughter Exhibition of my dream, adding my works of calligraphy to her ink paintings.
While I was organizing the works, I realized – many things connect me and my mother somewhere deep and invisible.

Mother-Daughter Exhibition has been named “結 MUSUBU”.
Most of the works are amateurish, but it is honorable if you kindly look at the proof that my mother certainly lived her life and myself struggling on the way.

August 12, 2008 Miki Otake


Despite the busy season of Obon, many people visited the exhibition. People who are deeply linked to my mother also gathered despite their advanced age.
I am profoundly grateful. To tell the truth, my memory during the period of the exhibition is vague. Although I can recall scenes in fragments, I can’t recall the flow of those six days smoothly (this is also a reason that the blog was delayed). It is clearly different from the past fatigue from the intracompany exhibition.
Again I think it was such a big project for me to exhibit my mother’s works. And I am surprised to notice many things. Everyone said, “you are filial to your mother”, and “your mother is happy". Simply I wish so – I wish my mother were happy.

Indeed what my mother left was ink paintings, but what Mother-Daughter Exhibition left was not only that. I can’t express it with words because I haven't comprehended it myself, but it appears to be homework that I will slowly solve in my life. There is much of it, just like a puzzle that will never be completed, which appears that it is my task of “musubu” (tying or knotting) to pass it on to my daughters. Mother-Daughter Exhibition has ended, but there are more things that have started from here. I feel grateful.
To everyone who has opened this blog, I'm sorry that this must be difficult to understand. It is impossible to tell something vague even for myself. I’m very sorry. But I’m glad if you sense something from my feelings.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all the people for giving flowers to, extending courtesies to, and visiting Mother-Daughter Exhibition. Thank you very much.

One more thing at the very end – explanation of the invitation.
Phalaenopsis orchid blooming from the same stem is my mother (somehow there were always Phalaenopsis orchids beside her), and Casa Blanca lily is me (my favorite flower). The Casa Blanca lily has two buds. I am looking forward to seeing how these two buds bloom.

The unicorn, fairy and wizard – I could believe in all of them even though I couldn’t see them

Since when did you lost belief in the world of fantasy?

Why do you strongly say that there is no such thing like that?

I do believe that there are worlds that we can find with pure hearts. I hope the forest-like picture frame will help you gain belief in the world of fairy tales once again.

“結 MUSUBU” Mother-Daughter Exhibition

I would like to let you know details of Mother-Daughter Exhibition. It’s a busy season, but please set a schedule to visit us.

Title of the exhibition: “結 MUSUBU” Mother-Daughter Exhibition by Hisako Shinozaki and Miki Otake

Period: August 12 (Tue) – 17 (Sun), 2008
10:00 – 18:00 (-17:00 on the final day)

Venue: Gallery 1, Elgala Hall, 7th floor
1-4-2, Tenjin, Fukuoka
phone: 092-711-5017

Content: About 40 works of Hisako’s ink painting and Miki’s calligraphy

Mother-Daughter Exhibition is held on “Obon”, when my mother who passed away 7 years ago will come back again this year. My mother has left ink painting, and I live in the world of calligraphy. While organizing works, now I realize – many deep and strong things that connected me and my mother. Mother-Daughter Exhibition has been named “結 MUSUBU”.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the venue☆

Busy, busy, busy

For Mother-Daughter Exhibition of my dream, I keep thinking and keep imagining, and only time passes by. In the meantime, I don't have a brush. Thinking about this and that…
My mind is very confused because of setting up the exhibition which appears to be the first and last for my mother.
Hmmmmm!!
I have just dropped light ink from heights of 2 meters, and now I am waiting for it to get dry. Whether the ink will spread well….I am patiently waiting…with pounding hearts.

Meanwhile, a picture from the awarding ceremony at “Mainichi Women’s Calligraphy Exhibition” has been finished (but…it’s out of focus). Not-Otake-like = I attended in a feminine pink suit in a pure and beautiful manner.
Although I don’t get nervous at all and I didn't get nervous, my mouth was dry when I read testimonials. (Could it be that I am timid?) Anyway, having carried out an important duty without any trouble, now I am relieved.

Japan is in the midst of the rainy season and every day is gloomy. This is the season that I don’t like most, but I shouldn’t feel that way this year. To create a collection of works in commemoration of Mother-Daughter Exhibition, I am in a hurry to writing up.
I am telling myself “fight!”

I want to be more novel than anybody

Today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today.

I always hope to become a brand-new me everyday, newer than anyone else.


Can you imagine me (and yourself) in ten years or twenty years from now?

Heavy schedule!

[July]
From July 1st to 6th, “Japanese Calligraphy Exhibition, Kyushu Exhibition” will be held at Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art. I will attend the celebration at Hotel Nikko on July 1st.

From July 8th to 13th, “Exhibition of Representative Works by Japanese and Chinese Female Calligraphers, Tokyo Exhibition” will be held at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Last year, Beijing Exhibition was held and I flew from Kyushu to Beijing by myself (I will write about this incredibly interesting and scary trip sometime later…)
Keeping the promise to “meet in Tokyo next year”, I will attend the celebration on July 8th.

From July 15th to 21st, “Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition, Kagoshima Exhibition” will be held. I will attend the eve party on July 14th.
On July 21st and 22nd, “Yoshin Summer Training Session” in my area, Fukuoka.
From July 27th to 30th, “Sogen-Shodokai Summer Training Session” in Atami.

This is very hard, isn’t it? I have many other meetings too. Moreover, I have to finish work for “** exhibition” held in August.
Please pray for my health.


[August]
In August, which is suggestive, there is big, big news!
Suddenly, it was determined that "Mother-Daughter Exhibition” of my dream will be held at Elgala Gallery in Tenjin, Fukuoka from August 12th to 17th!

I think I wrote in my blog, it has been 7 years since my mother passed away. My mother was doing ink painting before her death and has left many works. I have wanted to hold an exhibition together for 7 years. It may have been the guide of my father and mother that the unexpected chance came to me. It is because this period just falls on “Obon”. “Obon” is the day that has been said spirits of the dead come back to home once a year in Buddhism. Relatives gather to hold a memorial service for their ancestors.
My father, mother and ancestors will come to visit the exhibition of my mother’s and my works all the way from Jodo (Pure Land)…I believe so.

I am sensitive to summer.
I have been physically weak since my childhood - so-called physically fragile. It hasn’t changed that I easily get tired and suffer from headache even after I reached adulthood. And it hasn’t changed that my body feels itchy particularly in summer. I believe I am a fungus such as penicillium and fusarium. I am vulnerable to healthy rays of the sun in summer.
I have never experienced super busyness like this year in this harsh season. Changing sighs into willpower, I will overcome it calmly with a light hand! (I suppose so...)

I will let you know the detailed information of “Mother-Daughter Exhibition”. Please come to visit us if it is close to you (and even far from you if possible). I would like to see you at the venue!!

June

From June 10th to 15th, “The Exhibition of the World of Japanese Poetry and Calligraphy” will be held at Tokyo Central Art Museum.
(I am sorry that I will be absent from the celebration. The reason is described below.)

During the same period in Kyushu, “Mainichi Women’s Calligraphy Exhibition” will be held at Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art.
Followed by the audition in April, I will attend the awarding ceremony on June 15th to award prizes to awardees.

This year Mr. Shoichi Nishibayashi has been invited as a special judge.
He is my teacher when I was in university. Without accepting pupils for about 15 years, now he has been active as a researcher of calligraphy as well as a university professor.
His many specialized books published always get attention in the world of calligraphy. It is meaningful that I was strictly instructed by Mr. Nishibayashi and could learn what “calligraphy” is when I was young. His word 30 years ago - “don’t think you are writing calligraphy but think you are embarrassing yourself”, is my origin living in the world of calligraphy.

My teacher, whom I met after a long time, was very fine. I was glad that his lively way of talking implied that he was engaged in fruitful work.
Around that time, I received a picture taken by a person from the newspaper company. It was huge in B4 size. I laughed in spite of myself because it was so big. It is needless to say that I had a big smile in the picture with my teacher.

0509

My birthday has come!
May 9th. Again this year, I received red roses from my daughter together with white Casa Blanca lilies.

Last year, 100 roses sent by air from Tokyo had withered before blooming because of fatigue of traveling.
My desperate efforts of cutting the stems in water to keep the flowers fresh were useless, which let me greatly down.
This year, the roses looked vigorous, which seemed she ordered them from a local flower shop, and again they brought bright morning to me today.

At this age, innocent joy of the birthday fades. We notice that we have reached the age to count the remaining lifetime. If it is another 20 years left when my body is free to move, time left for me is not very long.
Having lived till now, regrets are countless. So I will try every single thing I can think of. I will carry it out. I will reduce the number of regrets.

I lost my father 25 years ago and my mother 7 years ago.
I must have nursed them as best I could at those times. Nevertheless, I have regrets. Now my casual remark and action are strangely coming back to my mind and blaming myself. “I had no room to breathe in my heart”- would I be forgiven with such a remark?
I know both my father and mother were praying behind my back (even my father, who believed in neither God nor Buddha…). “I am not Buddha yet,” I laughed and held back my tears, but they forgave and thanked me for who I am.

I thank my father and mother, who cared and raised me.
I thank my ancestors, who delivered me into this world.
I thank everything in this interesting world – giving us a number of sadness and pain, and more joy and happiness than that.
I continue to clean their graves every month just like expiation of my sin. Also on my birthday and my brother’s birthday, I clean their graves carefully and tell them “thank you”. I feel lonely that now I can express my feeling only in this way.

Without any trouble, I have completed placing my work on Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition!
I have many things to care for placing work on calligraphy exhibitions of the principle school. I am practically convinced that having no freedom to write uninhibitedly is a lesson.
Little rebelliousness in many rules is my only joy.

On the next day of placing my work on the exhibition, I went for a horseback ride after a long time.
And the next day, I got a fever and knocked out.
And the next next day, a chalazia appeared on my left eye.

Does this mean I should think about my age??

Feeling for "壊 kowasu"

The word "壊 kowasu" means destruction.
However, I would intentionally like to subtitle it "departure".

When we are starting something new, we hesitate to no small extent. It's because the current
environment around us may drastically change. I believe you are not prepared if you proceed to something new without making a sacrifice.





I believe it's a true "departure" if we have determination and courage to break the present.
When we are not afraid of the risk of losing something important, a new world will unfold.

By coincidence, "壊 kowasu" is pronounced "kai" in the Chinese-derived reading, linking to "開 kai"

★Picture @ Acros★

Please look at the pictures of Acros place before opening the pictures of a demonstration at the intracompany exhibition from last November.

In the demonstration with hakama on (Japanese skirtlike trousers), I was extemporarily
writing on a 180 × 145 paper as requested by visitors.
It was such a fun.

If someone wants to see my demonstration, I will go anywhere with my calligraphy kit. I
will go anywhere…on the earth!
Please call me!

The 4th Miki Intracompany Exhibition

The 4th Miki Intracompany Exhibition (intracompany exhibition = calligraphy exhibition with my students) was held at Acros Fukuoka.
Before it was being held at the local historical museum, and the intracompany exhibition in the heart of Fukuoka, Kyushu, was a long shot for me.
All the exhibitors except me were amateurs.

Each of them had a very few acquaintances and some people could not come to the place by themselves.
For 1 week, from March 24th to 30th, I was driving to there on highways.

I was really…exhausted.

Results?

Thank you, it was a great success!!!
For the intracomapany exhibition, which is mostly a place for making a presentation of study, many visitors cannot usually be expected.
However…more than 1,000 people visited.

According to great feedback, many people who had not been interested in calligraphy said "I felt the joy of calligraphy" and "the past negative image of calligraphy has changed".
There are also many people who want to take lessons, and now I am crying with delight.
The bud of a new challenge is starting to come a little bit out of the ground in my mind.
There are many hurdles on the way to realize it.
If this feeling grows up inside me and I am in the serious mode, I will certainly realize it even by kicking out these hurdles.

Please, look forward to it!

Joy

I wrote it with my whole heart to wish you a lot of joy!!

My mind is in panic now

I have to complete four pieces of work within the end of March.
All of them have been recommended and selected by the calligraphic society I belong to,
and will be displayed on representative calligraphy exhibition in Japan.
That really is an honor. Heavy responsibility lies on me.
It can be said that such task is the fate imposed on those who have decided to take their stand
in the principle school of Japanese calligraphy ("honryu").This principle school has been my path.

"Something" unknown started growing deep inside my heart several years before (actually much longer before). It grew larger year by year, and now that "something" has taken clear shape .

I want to express myself freely!

The Japanese calligraphic world - it has been accumulating its history and lasting
endlessly. I don't want to be like those who critique and criticize Japanese calligraphic
world, acting like competent calligraphers without taking their stand in honryu.
On the other hand, I would like to bring up "something" that has grown inside of me.
It may be secondary now, but I would like to bring it up to a stream as large as the
mainstream - honryu.


I have opened a heavy door.
Now that it's clear what direction to take, poems, words, and expression that I want to write are coming into my mind one after another. Just like I am not the same today as I was yesterday, I want to improve myself every tomorrow. I would like to create the world of progressive calligraphy.

My mind panics because of happiness!!