Artist Demonstration: A Master Calligrapher Sows Seeds of Joyful Living (@Westside Shambhala)

Please join us as we welcome Takeda Souun, one of the most famous calligraphers (Kanji artist) in Japan. His artwork is highly praised for its innovative, yet traditional way of expressing the beauty of the Japanese language and spirit. He always tries to create artwork which inspires people to enjoy active lives and fill people with appreciation and happiness. He believes that if a person is filled with a sense of well-being and gratitude, she/he can return these feeling for others. The wave of well-being and gratitude will spread exponentially through society, and eventually build a peaceful and better world.

Takeda Souun has a lifelong goal, “To sow seeds of joyful living and to create a thankful cycle for whole human family.” The quality of Takeda Souun’s work and its power to move people has made him one of the most respected and sought after calligraphers in the world. He has been invited to participate in a variety of projects and engage in a wide range of activities. While he respects traditional calligraphic ways, he does not hesitate to take new approaches creating calligraphic work.

Mr. Souun  will be performing calligraphy demonstrations at Westside Shambhala. A reception will follow.

About the Artist: This is Takeda Souun’s first visit to the U.S. His work can be found in galleries, temples, movie titles, and ad campaigns for companies like RayBan, Chloe, and Vogue. For more information about Takeda Souun and his art.

“In the current era when everything is digital, I believe the analog nature of handwritten calligraphy helps provide a physicality of motion and flexible thinking that is conveyed in a human way. People viewing calligraphy should feel a cosmic sense of space behind what they see. I believe people appreciate my calligraphy because it gives them a sensation they can feel in their hearts.”  - Takeda Souun