 Katazome
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We have a saying in the West, "Beat a dead horse". It means doing something
uselessly. Well, I 'm going to beat this horse a few more times, I'm sure.
It's because I believe in the Japanese.
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Japanese art is probably the most sensitive and beautiful in the world
when viewed from the perspective that it is mostly from nature, and based
on realism, for which the Japanese are famous. However, these days, many
of the old arts are dying out due to a lack of interest by young people.
I know there is not much interest because it seems there is much work,
and little excitement, involved. TRUE!
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However, when we think of the amount of work our ancestors did to develop
this art into something magnificent, we should respect their thoughts
and feelings, and try it! We might learn to love it as our ancestors did.
You should also really try hard to find an interest in some art and try
to learn it well. You will find it very satisfying; calming to your spirit;
and valuable to your mental and emotional growth.
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I recently started an art form that most of my friends and students
don't even know about. It is called katazome, and involves stencil cutting,
and coloring with natural colors. It takes a lot of time, and must be
done slowly. You can't hurry! "Hurry" results in failure. It is somewhat
similar to roketsu, where wax is used to prevent color from dyeing a fabric.
Tsutsugaki is also similar, using the same materials and done "freehand,"
without the stencil.
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I am enjoying katazome more than anything I have ever done before! Wouldn't
you like to learn with me? My teacher is very clever, patient and understanding.
I'm sure everyone can find an interest in the arts of Japan! There are
so many of them, and they are so beautiful!
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