2006 October - Miyazaki Calligraphers
INTRODUCTION
Written by Master Seifu Ogawa,
Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture,
JAPAN
As a small group of calligraphy artists from the south of Japan, we are thrilled that our work is being displayed at the Stepping Stones Art Gallery in Ottawa, Canada. We are very much indebted to Ms. Rebecca Benoit for giving us this opportunity to present “Japanese Calligraphy Art: A Taste from Miyakonojo”.
For all of our group members, Japanese calligraphy is more than just a hobby; it is a lifelong pursuit. We offer up our work for your enjoyment and in the hopes that our humble display may open another small window onto Japanese culture. We also look forward to any comments on the exhibit that viewers may have to offer.
Thank you very much to Ms. Rebecca Benoit, Ms. Corinne Baumgarten and many other people who have so generously given of their time to help realize this event.
Sincerely, Seifu Ogawa (Group Representative)
Kiyoko Ogawa BIO
Kiyoko Ogawa was born in Taiwan in 1941. She had a small international exchange
through calligraphy in Brisbane in
Australia in 1999, in Whangarey in New Zealand in 2001, and in Ulan Bator in Mongolia in 2002.
In 2003, she was awarded the prestigious Miyazaki Daily Newspaper Award for her outstanding and vigorous efforts in regard to international cultural exchange efforts.
As an instructor she enjoys calligraphy in life, doing large works of calligraphy on “shoji”(sliding paper doors) and “fusuma”(a framed and papered sliding door).
EXHIBITING CALLIGRAPHERS
Seifu Ogawa
Corinne Baumgarten (Canada), Amy Walker(England)
Minato Nagayama, Gyokusenn Shii
Noriko Takahashi, Yuki Shimizu, Eiko Goto, Toshiko Nobe, Souka Kakoi, Reiko Zenge
Chiyako Horinouchi, Fusa Yoshida, Sayoko Nagasako, Tamiko Yoshihara, Hama Kishira
Kyoko Kiyotake, Hiroko Inohae, Aiko Fukui, Kazuki Goto, Michiko Terao
Ryoko Todoroki, Yukiko Kakehashi, Yoko Maruyama, Kazuyo Matsumura
Keiko Oritsu, Teruko Watanabe, Fujiko Matsumoto, Takeko Shinmori
Artists: Kiyoshi Kikuchi and Michiko Kikuchi
Ceramic Artist: Issei Sonoda
Art: Sukenori Miroku
EXHIBIT AND TOUR SPONSORS
Miyazaki Prefecture and Miyakonojo City Calligraphy Association;
Miyazaki-ken International Association;
Miyakonojo-City;
Miyakonojo International Association;
Miyazakinichinichi Newspaper
Callygraphy shop Chosinsai
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EXHIBIT REPORT
Over 30 scrolls of calligraphy, along with arts and crafts and several ceramic pieces were on display in:
the Stepping Stones Art Gallery (http://steppingstonesart.blogspot.com/) from Oct. 14 – 31. Pieces were made available for sale at a price of $100 CAD per item, with all sale proceeds to the artists in Japan.
Brochures were given to guests and a guest book will be sent to the artists in Japan when the exhibit closes.
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Nearly 90 Exhibit visitors were invited to participate in a free calligraphy exhibit. Ms. Seifu Ogawa and her team of calligraphers provided all materials to workshop participants: brushes, ink, paper, fans, and ‘shikishi’ boards.
Participants could choose a word of their choice (a Chinese character) and shown how to write the character with the help of translators and calligraphers who instructed them.
Calligraphy Workshop
EVENING RECEPTION
60 Guests provided food for this potluck reception in honour of the Miyazaki Calligraphers. Minister Tarahara and his wife from the Embassy of Japan hosted the event and made a brief opening speech to welcome the group. Guests enjoyed dinner in 3 private dining rooms and in the main gallery hall.
Second in Mission at the Embassy of Japan, Minister Tarahara, performed two French chansons (sung in English). Both were warmly received by the audience.
The Miyazaki Calligraphy Chorus performed two favourite Japanese folk songs, including the well-loved ‘Sakura’.
Song sheets in Japanese and English (Romanized Japanese) were passed to the audience who sang along.
Ms. Rebecca Benoit, Stepping Stones Art Gallery Curator welcomed Master Calligrapher, Ms. Seifu Ogawa and received several lovely gifts, including a scroll for the Camellia Tea Rooms, a hand-made Tea Ceremony summer bowl, and lamp, all made by this master calligrapher.
Ms. Corinne Baumgarten, who coordinated the entire event from Japan, also gave a speech. In addition, a wonderful tribute(in both English and Japanese) from the Mayor of Miyakonojo City, Mr. Makoto Nagamine was read aloud to the audience, expressing gratitude for holding this event.
Ms. Corinne Baumgarten and the Benoit Family performed a few impromptu pieces for the entertainment of the waiting audience.
An incredible performance of dance left the audience speechless. During the final presentation of dance, Master Seifu Ogawa performed a calligraphic work as dictation, while her colleague chanted. This final performance moved many in the audience to tears. The work was presented to Mr. Farshid Nayyer, Camellia Member and will be treasured for many years to come.
A Bon-Odori group dance followed as a last performance. Miyazaki Calligraphers invited members of the audience to join in their dance, wearing colourful ‘happi’ (Japanese coats). Everyone in the audience eventually joined the dance for this amazing finale to an absolutely delightful evening.
Beyond all expectations, the Miyazaki Calligraphers had brought handmade gifts with them from Japan to share with the reception guests. Canadian and Japanese guests alike were truly touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Calligraphers.
On Sunday, Otober 15th, former Museum of Civilization guide, Ms. Rebecca Benoit provided a Japanese tour of the Grand Hall and History Hall to the Miyazaki Calligraphers. The group showed keen interest in Canadian history and culture and it was a beautiful way to complete this incredible international exchange.
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