Junko holds Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) and painting (Sumi-e) workshops around Melbourne at galleries, schools, organisations and cultural events. She also holds online lessons for people who are not able to attend an onsite workshop and also private lessons. Junko can work with you to create a program to meet your needs from 45 mins to whole day introductory experience workshops.
In the workshop, you will prepare your own ink then learn to make and use different Sumi ink tones and brush techniques to create traditional Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) or ink painting (Sumi-e) on rice paper.
With Sumi-e, you will learn to feel and capture the meaning of objects from nature with your interpretation then you will express the objects variously with brush pressure, rhythm, tones and confidence in your strokes. You'll not only learn brush stroke techniques but also experience the whole process and understand yourself through your work.
With Shodo, you will learn various brush techniques, calligraphy styles, stroke order and balance of Japanese characters as well as the history of calligraphy and the meaning of Japanese characters so you don't need to know any Japanese to begin.
Upcoming workshops
@ Japaneasy (75mins Sumi-e / stamp carving workshop)
Address: L1, 183 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC
Let's experience Sumi-e Japanese ink art or make your own signature stamp, or both!
Japanese ink art workshop:
Let's experience Sumi-e Japanese ink art or/and make your own signature stamp!
Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. There is much more to creating an image during the process of Sumi-e, it is also a meditative practice to explore and express your inner self.
You will learn to use different ink tones and brush techniques to create some simple but expressive paintings on Japanese paper such as flowers and Bonsai trees. All the materials will be provided and all ages are welcome :)
Hanko stamp carving:
The red stamps or seals are often seen in traditional Japanese artwork and documents. In this workshop, you will design and carve your own Hanko stamp. You can use it for your artwork, Christmas cards, as your business logo and more. Please bring your reading glasses if you use them. All materials will be provided. Suitable for people aged over 12.
8 Dec 2024 Sun 10:30am - 11:45pm Various flowers ink art fully booked
8 Dec 2024 Sun 12:15pm - 1:30pm Bonsai trees ink art fully booked
8 Dec 2024 Sun 2pm - 4pm Hanko stamp carving fully booked
details and bookings:
https://www.trybooking.com/CWSZB
@ Mystic River (2 hour Japanese calligraphy / Sumi-e workshop)
Address: Southgate Shopping Centre (Level 1), 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
4 Aug 2024 Sun 10am - 12pm Landscape - fully booked
10 Nov 2024 Sun 10am - 12pm Birds - fully booked
details and booking:
https://www.trybooking.com/BXRNI
@ Grampian Arts - Summer Brushes (5 day Sumi-e & Stamp carving workshop)
Address: Longerenong Agriculture College, 229 Longerenong Road, Longerenong VIC
13 – 17 January 2025 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am – 4pm, Wed 9am–12pm fully booked
Summer Brushes is an onsite artist retreat based at Longerenong Agriculture College.
The college sets the scene for this five-day intensive workshop program working with one of 15 tutors. Junko's will share Japanese calligraphy, painting and stamp making, for all levels. The workshop booking fee includes morning tea and lunch. The meals are professionally catered with fresh menu options daily.
details and booking:
https://www.grampianarts.com.au/summer-brushes-junko-azukawa.html
0493 430 312
@ Living & Learning Centre Nillumbik (3 hour Sumi-e workshop)
Address: 739 Main Rd, Eltham VIC
This is a monthly workshop. If you want to keep learning Sumi-e, this is the one to join! You will learn something different each time and your practice will improve. You will be able to learn both calligraphy (Shodo) and painting (Sumi-e) of your choice.
7 Dec 2024 Sat 10am - 1pm ongoing class - fully booked
details and booking:
www.livinglearningnillumbik.vic.gov.au
(03) 9433 3744
@ Melbourne Art Class (Sumi-e / stamp making / children)
Union studio: Level 1, 85 Union St, Armadale VIC
15 Dec 2024 Sun 10am - 1pm Sumi-e beginners
15 Dec 2024 Sun 2pm - 4:30pm Hanko stamp making
details and booking:
@ Gloworm Studios (2.5 hour Sumi-e workshop)
Address: 11 Railway Place, Fairfield VIC
2 Feb 2025 Sun 3pm - 5:30pm beginners
details and booking:
@ Box Hill Community Arts Centre (2 hour Sumi-e workshop)
Address: 470 Station St, Box Hill VIC
26 May 2024 Sun 10am - 12pm Owl
26 May 2024 Sun 12:30pm - 2:30pm Koi fish
details and booking:
www.bhcac.com.au
(03) 9895 8833
@ Camberwell Community Centre (5 week Sumi-e course)
Address: 33-35 Fairholm Grove Camberwell VIC 3124
1 Nov to 29 Nov 2024 Fridays 1pm - 3pm fully booked
7 Mar to 4 Apr 2025 Fridays 1pm - 3pm
details and booking:
www.camberwellcommunitycentre.org.au/art
(03) 9882 2611
0478 766 683
@ KAMI (2 hour Sumi-e workshop, Stamp making workshop)
24 Nov 2024 Sun 10am - 12pm Koi painting
24 Nov 2024 Sun 2pm - 4pm Hanko stamp making
details and booking:
https://www.kamipaper.com.au/pages/workshops
(03) 9419 5735
@ Prahran Place Neighbourhood Centre (Sumi-e workshop, Stamp making workshop)
Address: 40 Grattan St, Prahran VIC 3181
26 Oct 2024 Sat 1pm - 3:30pm Cherry blossoms painting
details and booking:
(03) 9510 7052
@ Artist Society of Canberra (Japanese ink art course)
Address: STUDIO D, M16 ARTSPACE, GRIFFITH ACT
6 Mon Jan 2025 10am - 4pm Introduction to Sumi-e for beginners
7 Tue & 8 Wed Jan 2025 10am - 4pm Continuing to Sumi-e for intermediate/advanced
details and booking:
@ Yama Ki (Japanese ink art forest retreat)
Address: 1284 Don Rd, Don Valley VIC
24 Sep Sun 2023 10am - 4pm fully booked
The wisdom of nature - Japanese ink art forest retreat
This Japanese ink art retreat is a creative exploration amongst the Yarra Valley forest. Guided by the way of ink and connecting with our hearts, we will therapeutically explore how ink reflects our inner space and expression within.
Art facilitation by Junko Azakawa and wholesome vegetarian organic lunch by Phuong Tang at Yama Ki.
Japanese ink art is a philosophy, it’s a way of living and an art form. Sumi soot ink painting began around the 8th century and then evolved as a Zen discipline in the Muromachi period in Japan. Ink painting has become a powerful way to express the moment and explore the connection between nature and inner self.
The retreat cost $225. All art material & lunch is provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements/allergies.
Self-contained accommodation is also available on the property (www.yamaki.com.au)
Booking:
https://www.trybooking.com/CKBVX
Recent invited workshops
National Gallery of Victoria, Australia.
St Ita’s Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
Genazzano FCJ College, Melbourne.
Hobsons Bay Arts Society, Melbourne.
Ashby Primary School, Melbourne.
Westbourne Grammar School, Melbourne.
Emerald Hill Library and Heritage Centre, Melbourne.
Arts Inspire, Melbourne.
Nunawading Christian College, Melbourne.
Geelong Grammar School, Melbourne.
Convenant College, Melbourne.
Strathcona Girls Grammar School, Melbourne.
Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne.
Williamstown North Primary School, Melbourne.
Victoria University, Melbourne.
SEABUZZ Restaurant, Melbourne.
Cheltenham Primary School, VIC.
Kingswood College, VIC.
North Ringwood Community House, VIC.
Essendon Keilor College, VIC.
Chisholm Institute, Melbourne.
Parkdale Secondary College, Melbourne.
Chanoyu Spa, Melbourne.
International Conference In Health Care, Melbourne.
Lion Nathan Conference, Crown Casino, Melbourne.
Art Education Victoria Conference, Melbourne.
No Vacancy, Melbourne.
Peer Gallery, Sydney.
Boroondara Park Primary School, Melbourne.
St Anne's Primary school, Melbourne.
Solway Primary School, Melbourne.
Haileybury College, Melbourne.
Melton Secondary College, VIC.
Kilvington Girls' Grammar School, Melbourne.
The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Melbourne.
Simonds Catholic College, Melbourne.
Made In Japan, Melbourne.
Orchard Grove Primary School, Melbourne.
Box Hill Community Arts Centre, Melbourne.
The Centre Connecting Community, Melbourne.
Templestowe Park Primary School.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School.
RMIT University, Melbourne.
Mount Waverley Secondary College, Melbourne.
Ikebana International, Melbourne.
Ivanhoe Grammar School, Melbourne.
St Columba's College, Melbourne.
Xavier College, Melbourne.