About

Misuzu's Bio:

I am a Japanese person born in 1973. Currently living in the U.S.

Growing up practicing Shodou (Japanese calligraphy) throughout my childhood, Sumi ink and brushes were always familiar items to me. 

In my busy adulthood, I totally forgot about it. I never made time to practice Shodou again until recently. Then, I slowly started realizing how it had taught me to sit still and clear my mind focusing on just one thing. It made me learn how to discipline myself. I knew how to be in zen mind already when I was very young.

But, to be honest, practicing Shodou didn't bring me much joy. I wasn't having fun doing it. (I wonder what my Sensei would tell me if I say this...? Maybe it's not supposed to be a fun activity?)

And, now I know why it wasn't enjoyable. Because I always had to follow their teaching and methods. Rules. The way it should be. Because what I had to do was to copy the perfect sample of writing made by someone else. 

I'm quite a perfectionist... it bothers me when I know that my writing cannot be more perfect than the already perfect sample. 

Maybe making it perfect is not the purpose, but what's the point then? I'm sure it is still a very meaningful practice, and I am grateful that I had my opportunity to learn Shodou.  

What I didn't see when I was young was the simplicity and beauty of the images created by just a brush with ink on a white paper. 

Sumi ink can create really rich and bold images on contrasty white background. That kind of energy matches with my nature of always wanting to be strong, independent, and even rebellious. When the ink is dry, it turns to very mat finish which I love. This natural texture is impossible to show on the photocopied images.

So I decided to do with my own way. If I can draw (rather than write) whatever comes to my mind with my imagination, wouldn't that be more fun? Truly creative and authentic? 

Expressing my ideas using such limited methods, materials, and colors (well, literally no colors) is very challenging. And, I like challenges.