Sumi-e has been developed since 1200 by Japanese Zen monks.

Learning sumi-e is traditionally passed down from teacher to student. My teacher, Beppe Mokuza, is a Zen Master who has practiced sumi-e for over 30 years. Through workshops I let people become acquainted with this and develop further.

In Japan, Zen painting is called Sumi-e: “Sumi” means black ink, and “e” means painting. The white surface (the paper) represents the universe and the ink the material forms that constantly appear and disappear. The sumi-e master teaches us to express the vital energy and eternal meaning contained in each form. Sumi-e deepens and complements meditation, and can provide many insights into the mind in which we carry out our actions. Through the stroke of a brush it becomes clear where we do and where we do not have attention and concentration. In this sense, it is a powerful tool for becoming aware of how attentive concentration is distracted by our emotions, our inner critic, or the actions of others. I have noticed that I have started to live more consciously, have a greater eye for my surroundings and my (drawing) work is improving.

A unique opportunity to get acquainted with this is a workshop of 2 hours, in a small group, given by me in Eindhoven

You start step by step in painting the bamboo, the trunk, nots, banches, leaves and all of the variants. You will also learn the various compositions, like the importance of triangles. Orchid, with all variants in flowers, grass leaves and in combinations with the bamboo. Rocks, plumblossom and chrysanthemum follow and then other nature, also in combination with each other. You will learn how to use the 4 treasures: brushes, paper, ink, the ink stone. Which brushes are suitable; how to handle the brushes, how you paint on your breath as well as giving space to your brush. It is an expressive art style in which reality is reduced to its pure, essential form. Sumi-e painting is connecting your head, heart, and hand. During the workshop, background information is given and a connection is made between painting, philosophy and history. Guidance is tailor-made at everyone’s individual level.

Some information for when you sign up:

It is not a continuous course, but separate workshops, which you can participate in when and where it suits you.Everyone paints at their own level, and I walk around, giving directions individually and sometimes to a group or the whole group. I’ll provide ink, paper and brushes if you don’t have them (yet).