JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY IN ZEN SPIRIT

An Exhibition of the Works of Solana Yuko Halada

 
November 2-30, 2007

 Solana Yuko Halada to Exhibit Shodo Artwork at the Kerr Cultural Center

An exhibition of the Japanese Calligraphy of Solana Yuko Halada will be held from November 2 through November 30 at the Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale.

The exhibit, “Japanese Calligraphy in Zen Spirit,” displays Solana’s exceptional artworks that combine Japanese aesthetics and traditions, and resonate with a Zen-like spirituality of serenity and peace.

“Rikyu, the great Zen tea master, recognized that Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, demands the highest level of spirituality,” said Solana as she demonstrated her art at the Japanese Friendship Garden’s Moon Viewing Festival last month. “To create kanji characters that resonate and demonstrate their deeper meaning, your mind must achieve unity with the meaning of the words: this requires a higher level of spirituality.”

Solana’s Shodo focuses on simplicity, beauty, and a mind-body connection that follows the Zen precept that greatness in brushwork can only be achieved through mushin, or “no-mind.” Solana noted that “This exists when one is free of the thoughts, expectations and ideas that distract the mind.”

Solana’s work has been exhibited annually at Phoenix’s Matsuri Festival. She has been an Artist in Residence with the Arizona Commission on the Arts since 1999, and has extensive experience as a teacher of Japanese calligraphy to groups and individuals.

The exhibition will run from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. and will be free of charge.

For more information about the exhibit, call the Kerr Cultural Center at 480-596-2660.

To learn more about Solana’s unique approach to her art, or if you are interested in lessons, visit japanesecalligraphyinzenspirit.com or call 602-870-3063.