Sen Shi was organizing the tools for the class. It was calligraphy class today. Softly humming as she straightened and re-positioned the example pieces, she went over in her head all of the things she needed to remember.
One. These were Humans. Two. They were only going to be here for forty-five minutes - she didn't have time to go into the WHOLE history of the art, sadly. Three. Patience. She had to show patience. She was here to be a teacher, and an ambassador. Patience was required. And smiles.
The sound of people in the hallway caught her attention, and stepped to the center of the room and put a smile on her face in anticipation of her guests. "Hello," she said, as sweetly as she could as they came inside. "Welcome, welcome, I do hope you enjoy this little workshop today." Honey. Sweet as honey, she told herself. It was a reminder - be kind.
"Oh yes, sit right there that's just fine - Yes you, too." They were finding their seats one by one. Young and old were in her class today. "Yes that's perfect. Okay, now that you've all taken a seat I want you to double check the materials in front of you."
She reached out and picked up something from the desk at her side. "This is our canvas today - A good rice paper. Make sure it's on the mat in front of you, and be sure weight it down like this. Yes," she said nodding to a child near the front, "that. Perfect."
"You should also have a few pools of ink and a brush as well. Everyone have everything?" There were a few murmurs of 'yes'. "Good. Today," she took a breath, "We are going to practice the fine art of calligraphy. The people of the Final Islands have been doing calligraphy in this style and with these tools for ages and ages. It's a pleasure to share them with you. If there are no questions, we will begin."
"First, pick up your brush, like this. You have to hold it just so. Lightly, but firmly. Yes yes, like that. Now, traditionally we would prepare our own ink - but in the interest of time that has been done for you. Gently, very gently, dip your brush into the ink, and them make a stroke on the page. Yes! Just like that. These," she pulled out a sheet with many example lines on it, "Are just some of the different things you can do with one brush. Why don't you all take a few moments to practice making straight lines and little marks of different sizes?" She nodded at them to begin.
And thus, her class had begun. Sen Shi took the next bit of time wandering around, helping people with their brush hold, or telling them to slow down, offering encouragement where she could.
After about fifteen minutes, she gave them new paper and they began to write their names. Over and over, until they were happy. "Yes, that is a lovely T, exactly how we would write it." "Of course you can have another paper, it's no trouble." "Here, let me show you," and on and on.
When the students left, each holding at least one copy of their name in their hands, Sen Shi let them out with a smile. "I am so glad you enjoyed the class. Please do return for more! We have many different things to share!"
As the door closed behind them, Sen Shi let out a huge sigh and rolled her eyes. Messy. They were so Messy. And impatient. How many times do you have to tell someone not to rush their brushwork?! Honestly. It was almost insulting.
Reply
