The famous German architect Bruno Taut, who influenced modern architects such as Le Corbusier, fled from the Nazis and lived in Japan from 1933-36. During his stay in Japan, he wrote many comments about various elements of Japanese architecture, but he was especially fascinated by the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto; a palace which was constructed in the 17th century. From the name “Villa” you might imagine a gorgeous royal palace, but, in fact, the villa is, from my point of view, … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2015
An Unexpected Visit to Taiwan Master Calligrapher SYUE Ping-nan’s Studio
The telephone call I received in Japanese while living in Japan seemed mysterious. I thought I understood what was being said and replied in Japanese, yet I was unsure. The woman said that she was a calligraphy teacher and had heard about me, a foreigner studying calligraphy, and that she would like me to meet her in Takasaki to work with her. For starters, I already had been studying with Kobayashi Sensei, my teacher for “life”, and the woman did not mention Sensei. (Nor did Sensei recognize … [Read more...]
Why Your Calligraphy Credit Never Works Out the Way You Plan
As you may or may not know, I am a photographer by trade, calligraphy is just a hobby of mine which I started in order to improve my Japanese. By starting Beyond Calligraphy, I’ve made many new friends in the art of Calligraphy and Sumi-E. Sometimes I get an E-mail or phone call from friends asking this question: “A book company/a person/XYZ Company just contacted me and would like to use my work, do you think I should let them”? I guess they contact me because I am a photographer and lots of … [Read more...]