E-Tegami
E-tegami means picture letter in Japanese (e=picture, tegami= letter) and was founded by Kunio Koike in the 1960s.
While studying art at Tokyo Gakugei University, Kunio began to have doubts about the rigid ways of calligraphy and its emphasis on repetition and copying. He desired a freer form of expression that he found in creating e-tegami.
E-tegamis combine the traditions of calligraphy, poetry, and painting onto a watercolor postcard you mail to someone special. They feature seasonal objects like fruits/vegetables/flowers, some brief but thoughtful words, and a stamp that acts as your signature.
Showing off your technique was never the goal for Kunio. Rather, he believed in the importance of creating works conveying what is in your heart— “A letter that moves the heart of one person can move the heart of millions”.
With the motto “Imperfection’s alright, imperfection’s just right” e-tegamis have now spread overseas, transcending language barriers as an everyday art form that connects people to each other. With most of our communication happening online, the physical nature of e-tegami translates the “joy of living” into a single card.
This class is taught seasonally at the Japanese Culture Center. In addition, free workshops are held one a month at the outdoor 61st Street Farmers Market. Follow @etegamichicago on Instagram to find out when our next events will be!
Information about Kunio Koike sourced from the Oshino Art Museum. https://oshino-artmuseum.com/koike.html
Danielle Stolz
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 penpals 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)