“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

Goldfish and Water Plants
Wednesday, July 16th: 6:00 – 7:05pm & 7:30 – 8:35pm
Tuesday, July 29th: 6:00 – 7:05pm & 7:30 – 8:35pm

Bamboo
Introducing Master Maruyama Ōkyo who is famous for his paintings of bamboo and ghosts. We will also touch on Japanese cultural traditions, particularly the custom of honoring spirits during the Obon season in summer, which is often associated with ghost stories.
Wednesday, August 6th: 6:00 – 7:05pm & 7:30 – 8:35pm
Wednesday, August 27th: 6:00 – 7:05pm & 7:30 – 8:35pm

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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!

Participants are responsible for providing their own supplies below needed for the class. Please contact us if you have any questions:

Goldfish and Water Plants
Saturday, July 19th: 1:00 – 2:00pm
Saturday, August 16th: 1:00 – 2:00pm

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.

• Website
• Instagram
• FB Group: The World of Suiboku

Jaya Duvvuri

Visual Artist

Jaya Duvvuri, a Jersey City-based artist with roots in Southern India, was traditionally trained in Sumi-e painting through a decade-long apprenticeship with master artist Koho Yamamoto in New York City. In addition to Sumi-e, she explores color-field painting and woodcut prints (mokuhanga). Her work has been exhibited throughout the New York City area, with her most recent solo show held at the Delaware Valley Artists Alliance in Narrowsburg, NY. She has also participated in group exhibitions at the Imadate Art Museum in Echizen, Japan; the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY; the Flinn Gallery in Greenwich, CT; and the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts & Sciences in LBI, NJ, among others.

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