CCC Presents!
"Expanding the Stroke: How Japanese Hyogu Enriches Modern Calligraphy,"
presented by Shizuka Toyama, 2024 Tribute Fund Scholarship Grantee

Thursday, September 24  •  7 PM - 9 PM CDT
THIS EVENT WILL BE RECORDED

A Free Online Lecture Series Sponsored by the Chicago Calligraphy Collective

In this session, Shizuka will share her discovery of new artistic expressions made possible by her year-long participation in The Hyogu Study Group with Master Kiyoshi Sakurai with support from a CCC Tribute Fund Scholarship Grant. In her lecture, Shizuka will define the core essence of Hyogu — not just as "framing," but as a profound philosophy of preserving art for centuries — and the reasons why she chose to enter this traditional world. Her presentation will introduce us to Urauchi, (the foundational technique of transforming thin paper into a strong, flat piece); the structure of Kakejiku (the traditional Japanese hanging scroll); the secret of Nori (a natural adhesive used in Hyogu); the basics of Washi paper (and a comparison to modern paper); and finally, the deep connection between Sumi and Hyogu. Shizuka will also close with her reflections on patience, the beauty of accidental outcomes, and how this traditional craft has beautifully widened her creative perspective.

Based in Japan, Shizuka Toyama is a calligrapher whose artistic journey deepened during her residency in Chicago from 2015 to 2022. Her current practice focuses on the expressive power of lines and the rich textures created through letters. Blending Western and Eastern traditions, Shizuka is currently exploring the integration of Western calligraphy and traditional Japanese mounting techniques into her work.

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