Description
ZEN CREATIVITY: A BRUSH WITH EMPTINESS with Alok Hsu Kwang-han
October 9 – 10, 2021
This is a fun workshop. We explore Zen creativity by being “present, available, playful and not knowing”. All the while, we honor and make friends with a set of 3 brushes Alok designed and had made in the best traditional brush factory in China, 250 g. of very good Yidege liquid ink, plenty of “raw” Xuan paper, and a piece of 100% black wool felt Alok had imported from India to lay beneath each painting essential for reflecting the subtle or bold ink/water patterns back into the absorbent paper. You get to keep all these ‘friends’ with you beyond the conclusion of this workshop on Zen Creativity
Whether you are a beginner, a return student, or an accomplished artist, in this workshop you will have many fresh opportunities to let go of the past– what you already know, the accomplished level you are caught in and perhaps bored with, or the fear whether you can “do” it. And to welcome in each Zen moment, an intelligence prior to thought with all its schemes and maneuvers. Alok will inspire, surprise, and guide you to be rooted and move from your energy body, to rest in the spaciousness of your being, to become comfortable and intimate with the power of not-knowing, and to allow your brush—or you—to dance from emptiness.
Alok may ask you to paint the energy of music, a Rumi poem, the sound of silence, your heart’s desire, or when Master Zhaozhou was asked, “When great calamity arrives, how shall we respond?” he said, “Welcome!” No prior experience with painting or Zen is necessary. We paint with the joyful “discipline” of being “present, available, playful and not-knowing.” Something is transformed in us, at the same time manifested through our brush. At some point during the workshop you will come to realize, “Oh, I am the art!”
Prerequisite: To have viewed the trailer and the 69 minute documentary, “Moving from Emptiness: the Life and Art of a Zen Dude.” This film is the best introduction to Alok’s work. Available by online streaming or as a DVD at the filmmakers’ website: www.zendudemovie.com or Alok’s website: www.zencalligraphy.com.
Workshop: From 9 am to 5 pm both days. Arrive 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing in layers. Bring yourself in all your glory—however you happen to be! And bring a lunch so we can keep our energies together.
In-Person Classes
COVID Health and Safety Protocols
The health and safety of our Patrons, Students, Volunteers, and Staff are a top priority. Since COVID-19 first surfaced, our staff continues to monitor the situation closely, taking every precaution to keep our Patrons, Students, Volunteers, Staff, and our community safe.
- We require that face masks, covering mouth and nose, be worn in our buildings until further notice. (Note: face shields are not adequate)
- Enrollment in classes and workshops is limited to ensure social distancing is possible.
- Staff perform a rigorous sanitation protocol throughout the day.
- Thermometers are available in the Gallery and Studios for self-checking of temperature upon entrance.
- Sanitation stations are available at each entrance to the Center. Paper masks are available for no charge.
21 1009 AH
