Upaya Zen Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Sensei Kaz Tanahashi
The practice of calligraphy teaches us that anyone can be creative. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, any one of you can expand your creativity and enjoy making artwork. You can apply your creativity in your daily activity, whether you are a student, teacher, parent, scientist, or artist.
We will begin by exploring the 1700-year-old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed and Sensei Kaz will provide brushes and paper.
Kaz Tanahashi
Kaz Tanahashi, born and trained in Japan, is an artist, writer, and peace worker, active in U.S.A. since 1977. As a painter and calligrapher, Kaz has had solo exhibitions of his brushwork, performed, and taught worldwide. He has created a genre of one-stroke paintings and multi-color Zen circles. As a calligrapher in East Asian style, he creates works of large single ideographs.
Schedule: This program will begin on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 7:45 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), and will conclude with lunch on Sunday, February 16, 2025 around 1 p.m. MST. Use this Time converter to determine your local start time.
We ask attendees to arrive between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 14, 2025 to check in and join us for meditation at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. (included in the program price).
Maximum Participants 50
Program Fee (Members) $495
Program Fee (Non-Members) $550
Base price is for commuters. Lodging is available for an additional cost. Dana to teachers.
Lodging: Your tuition does not include lodging. Your first choice of lodging may not be available. Please check for availability by calling 505-986-8518 ext. 112 or email registrar@upaya.org.
If you wish to stay on the Upaya campus, the following options are available:
Upgrading to a dorm (3-4 guests per room) will add $300 to your total.
Upgrading to a double (2 guests per room) will add $450 to your total.
Upgrading to a single (private room) will add $600 to your total.