CLASS DESCRIPTION:
E-tegami means picture letter (e=picture, tegami= letter) and is a kind of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you will make an ink drawing of a seasonal object onto a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, this activity allows us to slow down and mindfully contemplate our relationships to the people and plants in the world with us.
This workshop will take place at Gaijin restaurant in the West Loop. We will be studying seasonal objects as well as drawing okonomiyaki—a savory Japanese pancake Gaijin is famous for!
**A purchase of 1 okonomiyaki is required to participate.**
You will learn how to work with sumi ink and a calligraphy brush, so make sure to come in clothes you are comfortable with possibly getting dirty. In e-tegami, the process is more important than the product—it is not important that it “looks correct” but rather that you are drawing from your heart.
Give yourself time to make art while eating traditional Japanese food—sign up for this unique workshop today!
This class is aimed for adults, please contact our office if you would like to register your child for the workshop.
BIO:
Danielle Stolz (she/her) is currently a welder with previous experience in arts education. She learned the practice of e-tegami while living in Tokushima, Japan. For her, this process of 1. slowing down 2. observing 3. reflecting, is a way to connect to the land, its cycles (time), and ultimately her place within it (community). She is still pen pals with her e-tegami teacher and classmates back in Japan. She looks forward to sharing this magical practice and creating an e-tegami community within Chicago. (instagram: @etegamichicago)
