Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy
"More than a primer on shodo, this book gives a thorough discussion of the practice of calligraphy as well as insight into the mindset and understanding required for writing zengo. Therefore, it should be seen as fitting into a long line of excellent publications that bring the often baffling teachings of Zen to a wide English-speaking audience." —Janice Katz, Ph. D., Roger L.Weston Associate Curator of Japanese Art, Art Institute of Chicago"This book is a gift for the mind and the eyes. Thoughtful commentary provokes an ongoing consideration of the meanings of the Zen phrases, while the brilliant inclusion of calligraphic how-to educates the eyes on how to follow the lines of ink in the original free-flowing gestures of the brush. I know I will return to this book again and again." —Christy A. Bartlett, Director, Urasenke Foundation San Francisco"An extraordinary book! Art and wisdom poised on the tip of a brush." —Lee Gurga, Editor, Modern Haiku Press"When complimented by an understanding of the literal, poetic, and philosophical meaning of the words, looking at Japanese calligraphy can be an exciting aesthetic and intellectual experience. It is with this goal in mind, of unlocking meaning and relevance to the non-Japanese speaker, that Shozo Sato presents his latest publicationShodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy. Sato does this by focusing on the practice of writing characters combined with a discussion of the meaning of 31 Zen phrases.(…) His inclusion of art by his students is meant to inspire us "to pick up a brush without embarrassment and to enjoy the creative process." This spirit of embracing the "beginner's mind" and celebrating earnest, if imperfect endeavor, can be found in the practice of Zen, Tea, and Shodo, living arts mastered by Sato, here effortlessly combined to give the non-specialist an entry point into their enduring power." —Deborah Clearwaters, Director of Education and Interpretation, Asian Art Museum San Francisco