Zen Brushwork: Focusing the Mind with Calligraphy and Painting

Arts & Activities, Jan, 2005 by Jerome J. Hausman

ZEN BRUSHWORK: Focusing the Mind with Calligraphy and Painting (2004; $28), by Tanchu Terayama. Kodansha America, Inc., 575 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022.

Calligraphy ("sho") is an art inextricably linked to writing. Zen calligraphy has fascinated us for decades. It provides an approach and point of view that is different from Western thought. It helps to bring us to a more spiritual awareness. As is stated by the author: "Although the hand of the artist can be seen in any work of art, it has long been said that sho is the artist. The pliant hairs of the brush, the life force of the carbon that constitutes the ink, and the spontaneity of the brushed letters all work together to express the spirit of the calligrapher."

This beautifully written and illustrated book would serve as an excellent guide and resource for high schoolers. It is organized into four parts: Background--dealing with the history and fundamental of calligraphy; Preparation--warming up and developing Ki; Zen calligraphy and painting; and Application, including works by old Zen masters and the author.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 397 on the Reader Service Card.