ETEGAMI
It’s ok to be awkward, awkwardness adds charm!
A brief history…
In the 1960s, a calligrapher named Kunio Koike felt stifled by the rigid traditions of his field. He grew tired of endless imitation of the masters, which he believed diminished his creativity, he longed for an art form that didn’t require exceptional talent or years of training. He envisioned something spontaneous, honest, and personal.
I combined simple images, with carefully chosen words, quotes or short poems, using a Pentel ink brush pen. I also left some blank for personal birthday wishes or good luck messages (Google & Pinterest are good places to find inspiration)
TOOLS
A line-drawing brush.
A colouring brush.
Liquid sumi ink or Indian ink.
Water-soluble, paints & spray bottle.
Rice paper, newspaper, watercolour paper. (I used any scraps that I needed to use up)
METHOD
lift the position of your elbow, let the brush dangle loosely on the surface,
slowly move the ink brush across the paper creating wobbly, blotchy - ‘living lines!’
Once the inky outline is dry, add watercolour by tapping the colour onto the paper, letting the colour spread, I used a little water sprayer to help bleed the colour over the line,adding even more character!
The optional addition of gold flake or paint really adds a beautiful flourish to a finished piece. last but not least don’t forget to personalise your Etegami art by making your own initial/image or symbol. I made mini stamps using cheap erasers…
Quick stamp making using erasers, remember to revers the image onto tracing paper before cutting!
These are wonderful!!
I love it!!