Workshop Overview
“If we study Japanese art, we see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic and intelligent, who spends his time doing what? …
He studies a single blade of grass.”
-Vincent van Gogh
Sumi-e, also called Suibokuga, is the art of ink wash-painting. Characteristically, it is an East Asian art, and has been practiced there for well over a thousand years. Sumi-e depicts the spirit or essence of an object or scene rather than its outward appearance — and does so in the fewest possible strokes. Because of this simplicity, the painter’s character and personality come through in his/her work. In both viewing and creating, Sumi-e is a very contemplative form of painting.
In this class at RESOBOX, a Japanese cultural center in New York, all students will start from the basics of ink-wash painting, such as how to hold a brush. All materials such as ink, brushes, calligraphy paper, etc. will be provided for the students.
Upcoming In-person Class Schedule
Cherry Blossom and Mt. Fuji or a Butterfly
April 26th 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
Carnation and Rose
May 17th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
May 31st 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
Bamboo
June 14th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
June 21st 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
Waterfall
July 12th 6:00 pm – 7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
July 26th 6:00 pm -7:05 pm / 7:30 pm – 8:35 pm
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Virtual Interactive Japanese Ink Painting Class
If you are looking for a therapeutic time for yourself, or fun activities at home, please join our virtual ink painting Sumi-e class!
Here are a few things you will need to prepare for the class:
6. Paper towel (or rag)
Upcoming Virtual Class Schedule
Cherry Blossom and Mt. Fuji or a Butterfly
April 8th 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Carnation Flower
May 20th 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Bamboo
June 17th 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Waterfall
July 15th 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
**Classes will be held via the Zoom Video Conferencing application, a private Zoom link will be sent to participants before the class begins. Classes are held in Eastern Time.
Check out the Instagram account for sample Sumie work !! : @kohfusumie
And Facebook: The World of Suiboku
Gallery
About the Instructor

Ayakoh Furukawa
Visual Artist
Ayakoh Furukawa (a.k.a Ayakoh Furukawa-Leonart) is a visual artist with a unique background who has mastered Japanese calligraphy and western painting. She studied with Buddhist calligrapher Sougyu Kashimoto in Osaka, Japan. Currently, she is a member of the Metro New York Sumi-e Society. Besides the RESOBOX Sumi-e class, she had numerous teaching experiences at educational and cultural institutions such as Lyceum Kennedy Japanese School and the Japan Society Summer program. She also taught Sumi-e at numerous events to help in the public in the understanding of Japanese culture. She moved to New York in 2000 and studied Asian Art History at Hunter College, the City University of New York where she received the Master of Fine Art of Studio Art. Her paintings and drawings have been exhibited internationally at numerous established art institutions. Her deep knowledge of both Western and Asian Arts offers an enjoyable experience of Japanese art of Sumi-e.