(in person)
Last year this workshop had to be postponed. Though it doesn’t “fit” out Gothic theme for the season - we wanted Hong to return in person with his beautiful offering..
Please be sure you can attend BOTH days before reserving your spot: Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 from 9:00am-4:00pm each day.
REGISTRATION is CLOSED - Class is full.
The Workshop
In this two-day workshop, Chinese brushwork artist and instructor, Hong Zhang will offer hands-on experience in writing Chinese characters with a brush. Topics include: proper writing posture and brush holding position; brush preparation, movements and techniques; basic brush strokes; control of the ink; character stroke order; character and calligraphy relationships; character evenness, alignment and balance; calligraphy rhythm and rhyme; and Yin Yang philosophy applied in Chinese calligraphy.
This workshop will take place at Laughing Waters Studio which offers many resources for the Chinese lettering artist and is sure to delight the students who can enjoy a space dedicated to this art form. We are very privileged to be able to offer this extraordinary workshop opportunity in this wonderful space.
Supplies:
Hong suggests the supplies below in order to have the most successful experience. You may have things in your studio which are very close - and that is fine. Please read the descriptions below and decide for yourself if what you already have is suitable. You can get all of these specific supplies for about $20-30.
Hong’s Recommended Supplies and Purchaseing Options:
Water Bowl
Paper Towels
Work Apron
Sumi Ink - Hong recommends Yasumoto Black Sumi Ink. It comes in various sizes, but a 2 oz bottle is plenty for the weekend. You can purchase it at Dick Blick Art Supplies or Wet Paint in St. Paul. Either the black jar or the green jar will work.
Brush - Traditional Ink Brushes (also called Chinese Calligraphy Brush, bamboo brush, sumi brush) are paintbrushes used in Chinese Calligraphy. They have a bamboo handle and the ferrule (the end-part holding the hairs all together) is round. When wet (or brand new) the hairs of the brush will come to a point. You can find a variety at Dick Blick Art Supplies or Wet Paint in St. Paul. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent brush. Just don’t get one too small or too large - a nice middle of the road (hairs about 1.5”-2” in length - Size 5 or Size 6 will be a good size). $10 should get you a very nice brush.
Paper - Hong gets his paper from China. It is made from mulberry (it is often called rice paper - but, well, it isn’t). This paper is not sized - meaning it is not treated with chemicals that effect the absorption. You can purchase some similar called sumi paper. This paper will work for learning but will absorb the ink differently than the paper Hong provides. You can find paper at Dick Blick Art Supplies or Wet Paint. A pad or a roll is fine.
A brush ($5) and/or 10 sheets of paper ($5) will be available for purchase from Hong at the workshop. Cash or check.
Hong has offered another wonderful opportunity to those who sign up for the workshop. You can purchase his book, Li Shu Qian Zi Wen, for a reduced price of $60. This book is not required, but it may be perfect for those who want to continue their study of Chinese Calligraphy.
Cost of Workshop:
$95 Colleagues Members
$125 Non-members
Class size limited to 8
Visit Our Store to secure your spot!
Meet Your Instructor
Hong Zhang
Instructor / Artist
As a Chinese brushwork artist and instructor, Hong has developed a passion for the cultural and poetic aspect of Asian art form. Inspired by the nature scene, Hong likes to create works of Chinese calligraphy and Chinese landscape paintings in both traditional and contemporary styles. Hong creates a methodology for the western students and has been teaching for more than twenty years at the University of Minnesota and in his private studio. Hong has published three books to help students elevate their understanding and appreciation of Chinese calligraphy history and concepts. Hong was honored to serve as the calligraphy judge for the 49th and 56th annual Sumi-e Society of America Calligraphy Exhibition in September 2012 and 2019 respectively. Currently resides in Bloomington with his wife, Ching, Hong has stayed committed to sharing his artwork with the community. Please visit Hong’s website. It is full of beautiful images and so much information about hit and his passion to teach Chinese Calligraphy & Culture.