New Year Shodo & Sumi-e

Today marked the very first Shodō & Sumi-e lesson of 2026.

In Japan, the first calligraphy of the year is called Kakizome — a New Year tradition of writing words that carry personal wishes, intentions, and hopes, allowing one to begin the year with focus and direction.

Over the course of three hours, we explored both Japanese calligraphy and ink painting together.

For calligraphy, I prepared a selection of New Year–themed words:
福 (Fuku: Good Fortune), 迎春 (Gei-syun: Welcoming Spring), 丙午 (Hinoe Uma: Fire Horse), and 光 (Hikari: Light).

Each participant chose the word that resonated most with them before continuing into Sumi-e painting.

丙午 (Fire Horse) comes from the traditional East Asian calendar and symbolizes strong energy and transformation — a powerful theme to reflect on at the beginning of a new year.

It was deeply inspiring to witness such concentration and quiet enthusiasm at the very start of the year. Moments like these remind me why I love sharing these practices.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting new participants through upcoming courses this year at my atelier in Haarlem.