OSHER 642 - Arts and Culture of Japan: Japanese Black Ink Painting

In this class students will learn the ancient art of Japanese black ink painting known as Sumi-e. Simplicity is the most outstanding characteristic of Sumi-e. An economy of brush strokes are used to communicate the essence of the subject. Success in Sumi-e is not based on natural talent; for this course, one need have no prior experience. In addition to learning and practicing Sumi-e, the class will take time to cover other aspects of the arts, crafts and culture of Japan with a focus on 'mingei' or 'art of the people', referring to objects produced by craftspeople for everyday use.