和 WA Design book
02-04,2017
I've just bought a new book !!
"WA~The essence of Japanese Design" by Phaidon.
Great for your eyes and fingers!
"WA" means ; Peace, Harmony, Japanese (in terms of aesthetic and spirit)
画 The girlie world of Macoto Takahashi
01-30,2017
I've just bought a new book " Kaguyahime; The bamboo princess"
illustrated by the master of Shoujo-Ga, Macoto Takahashi.
He is an artist, - illustrator and painter.
Shoujo-Ga is "Girlie-painting", I would say.
He created this particular genre which is the quell and a huge inspiration of the current "Kawaii style".
But this is MORE Pretty, beautiful, romantic, dreamy...
I love his Shoujo-Ga" world!!
Web: www.macoto-garou.com
©Macoto Takahashi
All images are reserved.
酉 The year of the Roosters 2017
01-24,2017
How did you start your 2017?!
The year of Monkey was a quite restless and messy one, loads of changes happened in the world - around us.
Let us hope that the kind Roosters will bring us some peace and harmony.
This year, the Chinese zodiac new year starts on the 28th. Jan.
The Sylvester is on Friday the 27th.
I give myself a second chance to start the year this week, so I could property leave some monkeys behind and welcome the Roosters....
I wish you all a healthy joyful year 2017!
ARIGATO!
茶 The first tea ceremony lesson 2017
01-08,2017
It was the Hatsugama day in the tea ceremony lesson today.
Hatsugama means;
The first day for making hot water in the tea ceremony.
I enjoyed so much!!
Two hours of pure silence and calmness without any thoughts nor disturbance...
I feel afterwards like .. my body and spirit are comfortablely cleaned.
I need that every week!!!
書 Up-cycled Christmas cards
12-09,2016
Yes, I finally found the best way to up-cycle loads of calligraphy papers in my atelier!!
I simply origami-ed and glued together!
They are for my families, friends and for my students.
I hope my calligraphy students will be happy!
児 Kids Calligraphy
11-02,2016
My daughter started playing and painting with the calligraphy brush since maybe she was just about to be two.
I placed the water calligraphy at the corner of my atelier, so that she could paint or pretend calligraphy-ing whenever she wanted. It was so practical and useful for my lessons too, so this water calligraphy-set is still there, in the same place.
Since last winter, I began to teach her the art of Shodo.
Less playing, less scribbling.
She does have fun with the circle practice and some Kanji practice.
Besides...
Most importantly, she enjoys the calligraphy hour from moment by moment.
I hope we will keep on...
書 Sanshotai, three calligraphy styles
09-24,2016
My morning calligraphy routine became so precious to me.
These two hours with a cup of green tea and incense...
It is my meditation, calligraphy practice and gives me a deep joy and pleasure.
涼 Unsui Kingyo, the goldfish...
07-20,2016
I wish you all
a beautiful pleasant summer time!!
書 Sanshotai "Stones"
06-21,2016
My morning calligraphy routine still continues...
I offten do the Sanshotai practise, the three calligraphy styles.
- Stone(s)
- Ishi, seki
英 Calligraphy workshop at Friday Late, V&A in London
05-19,2016
Victoria & Albert Museum in London
From 18.30 to 22.00
On Friday.27.May
Subversive SHODO at the V&A ( Friday-Late ) in London
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Rie Takeda
Featuring the poetry of Akiko Yosano “Tangled Hair”(1901)
There will be three sessions throughout the evening.
I start with the presentation, calligraphy-ing one of the Akiko Yosano's Tanka poems (Tangled Hair)
And participants can try out some basic calligraphy techniques and move to practising the calligraphy text featuring the poem.
After the session, participants can keep their own calligraphy.
*Experience in Japanese calligraphy is not necessary. Each participant from beginner to advanced level can discover and experience the essence of Shodo the art of Japanese calligraphy.
The Participants can learn to focus on bringing the balance of mind and body together as well as a one's individual mindfulness process by special designed practices. So students can learn little by little how to concentrate on their own Qi flow, conduct and apply it with brush and ink onto paper.
Scheduled workshop times :
18:45
19:40
20:35
- max: 12 people at each session
- one session is approx. 45min
- text and materials are prepared
- sign-in workshop at the door: entry free* places are designated on a first come, first served basis.
- please ask the museum staff, which room the calligraphy workshop takes place
http://www.shodocalligraphy.com/workshop-in-london.html
Facebook event calendar from V&A:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1741844462751184/
春 Spring and morning calligraphy
04-26,2016
Have you enjoyed the beautiful Sakura cherry blossoms?
Or perhaps you are still viewing them?
I've restarted my morning calligraphy practice since March again.
It is my most precious luxurious 2 hours!
I wake up at 5 am and calligraphy* - purely meditative, quiet and still.
This mindful process makes me so clear and calm.
I normally start with Sanshotai practice.
"The three calligraphy-style learning"
Right: *Kaisho-block style
Middle: *Gyosho-semi cursive style
Left: *Sosho-cursive style
I keep on doing this practice and update the pics
on instagram almost daily..so that many Shodo learners
and art interested could get inspired.
Here is the link to my instagram;
https://www.instagram.com/neojaponismatelier/
Enjoy those lovely spring colours!!
Arigato.
梅 Hello Spring
02-29,2016
I officially set my mind to the Spring mode!!!
Sakura time is just at the door!!
We shall start with the first spring flower-
UME- Plum flowers!!
Loads of them!!
I wish you all a beautiful start of "SPRING"!!

“ THE SMALL TREASURE “
小梅なモノ程
愛美あり
The small petit thing like a plum has
more charm and spirit.
THE SMALL TREASURE 2008 By Rie Takeda

I had a tea ceremony lesson last week!
Full of sweet plum flowers!!

Mizusashi and a table cover with Plim flowers

Tea bowl with plum patterns.

Shikishi display with the plum flowers
I am about to change it to the Sakura flowers this week already..

申 Monkey Magic kicks off 2016
02-10,2016
Have you started a good healthy year of the MONKEY 2016?!
Yes, as you may have noticed…
2016 is the year of the Monkey in zodiac calendar.

The kanji 猿 is commonly used for the animal “MONKEY”.
But when it comes to the zodiac calendar, you see the other one 申.
Monkey is called “SARU” in Japanese.
In Hiragana : さる and in Katakana : サル
I wish you all a peaceful year!!
Well - I feel already a little bit of lively energy spring out in me,
I should really use this positive Monkey Magic this year in order to push me forward to the direction I want!!
Images via my Shodo blog

HERE IS SOME MORE INFO ABOUT……….
The personality of the Monkey
People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as lively, quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar.
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth.
In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.
-Strengths: sociable, innovative, enthusiastic, self-assured
-Weaknesses: suspicious, cunning, selfish, arrogant, jealous
Lucky Signs for the Monkey
Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 8
Lucky colours: white, gold, blue
Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, alliums
Lucky directions: north, northwest, west
Famous people born under the monkey sign
Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Michael Douglas, Alice Walker, Celine Dion, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera, Owen Wilson, Daniel Craig, Mick Jagger, Bette Davis, Annie Oakley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Cuba Gooding Jr., Gisele Bundchen, Kim Cattrall, Nick Carter, Patricia Arquette, Alyson Stoner, Christina Ricci, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez.
Birth year of Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
(selected section from the telegraph,UK)
書 Workshop in Bad Säckingen
10-23,2015
I hope you are enjoying autumn colours and shapes…
I would just like to remind you of next calligraphy workshop in Bad Säckingen on Sunday the 25th.October.
It is a great location for those who lives in Switzerland, South West Germany and France Alsace.
If you are interested in taking part, please send a mail to :
info@djg-nagai-saeckingen.de or Tel 07761-55 38 502
Happy Practice!
Here is more detailed info in German. The workshop can be in English/German/Japanese languages. Next monthly workshop in Bad Säckingen is on Sunday the 22nd.November.
MY SHODO BLOG: https://shodocalligraphy.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/workshop-in-bad-sackingen/

SHODO Kalligraphie Workshops 2015 in Bad Säckingen
Das Thema am 25.Oktober ist “Goldene Herbst”
Es sind dazu keine Vorkenntnisse notwendig, vom Anfänger bis zum Fortgeschrittenen kann jeder die Quellen von japanischer Kalligraphie entdecken und erlernen. In einer speziell erarbeiteten Methode lernen die Teilnehmer eine Balance zwischen Geist und Körper, eine erhöhte Achtsamkeit im Umgang mit Atmung und Körpergleichgewicht.
So erfahren Sie dabei auch, sich auf den eigenen Qi Fluss zu konzentrieren und diesen dann mit Pinsel und Tusche auf Papier zu bringen. Diese Erfahrung lässt Sie dem Alltags Gedankenstress entfliehen und zu einer inneren Ruhe finden.
♧ Workshops mit Rie Takeda
♧ Termine: Sonntag nachmittags
♧ Zeit: 14:00 bis 16:00 (mit einer Kaffeepause)
♧ Gebühr: 18,-Euro pro Nachmittag
♧ Materialien und Texte: alles inklusive und vorbereitet. (Tuschstein und Pinsel können mitgebracht werden.)
♧ Maximal: 12 Personen
♧ Anfänger bis Fortgeschrittene
♧ Ort: Bad Säckingen, Haus Fischerzunft, Fischergasse 12
♧ Bitte melden Sie sich an für den Workshop unter info@djg-nagai-saeckingen.de oder Tel 07761-55 38 502 Organisiert undgesponserte von Deutsch-Japanischen Gesellschaft Freundeskreis Nagai http://www.djg-nagai-saeckingen.de
♧ Rie Takeda’s Kalligraphie Website : http://www.shodokalligraphie.com
秋 Golden Autumn
10-08,2015
Here in the feet of Black forest
the golden autumn is here and now
beautiful colours and lights are playing around
I can't help taking another walk through the autumn forest!!
*
This painting stands for a rich Autumn time.
There is now limited edition prints available on my atelier shop.
The inspiration:
various orange tones
Scarlet and Persimmon Red
a line of time and space - past - now - future
*
I wish you all pleasant golden autumn!!

"こころの木 KOKORO-TREE "
天みれば
輝く 君の
古佛心
Looking up to the sky
You could see the shining spirit of your life
Yesterday of KOKORO, today of KOKRO
and tomorrow of KOKORO
coming together
growing and inspiring you endlessly
(* KOKORO : spirit, mind, heart in Jap.)
*
KOKORO-TREE こころの木
Japanese ink and Gouache on handmade paper, 70x90cm
2009
RIE TAKEDA

Original work and limited edition print is available.
Shop on Etsy:
壷 Flower vase for calligraphy papers
02-21,2015
Always
there are loads of calligraphy papers floating around in my Tatami room.
sure I use them almost every single day but - is there nice cool way of storing them?!
I found the Japanese blue vase in our storage.
Big enough to store some rolls and leftovers.
It's got a typical blue porcelain colour and a classic plum flower painting with such a dynamic Sumie-like trunk!
After all it is still February
the month of Clothes-lining Month
the month for the plum flowers
Spring time is here!!

絵 Painted Poem : "Only for your good"
01-26,2015
Rather than .....
to find the reason why we can not do
- we'd better think about the reason why we can do...
I still have hopes
still have many dreams
and they are rich nutrition for my inspirations
*

Don't you worry
all the good things and bad things come around
only – because you need them
So don't worry.
大丈夫
良いことも
悪いことも
必要な分だけしか やってこないから
大丈夫
キミノタメ Only for your good
Japanese ink and Gouache on handmade paper, 70x90cm
2011
RIE TAKEDA
Limited Edition Fine Art Print A4 is available:
Here is the link to my atelier shop

This is one of the collections from 2011.





創 Design : MBSR
01-24,2015
This is the updated logo design for MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
The concept line was :
Awaking of mindfulness in us
To activate and discover the power of mindfulness
To balance the body and the mind

未2015 the year of the SHEEP
01-11,2015
2015
A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!
I WISH YOU A BEAUTIFUL YEAR OF THE SHEEP!!

The SHEEP / GOAT poeple are born in those years:
1931 - 1943 - 1955 - 1967 - 1979 - 1991 - 2003 - 2015
The sheep (goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make writing brushes and skin to keep warm. As it is white, people describe delicate and precious white jade to be 'suet jade'.
Thus it is close to the meaning of good things.
Strengths
People under the sign of the sheep are tender, polite, filial, clever, and kind-hearted. They have special sensitivity to art and beauty, faith in a certain religion and a special fondness for quiet living. They are wise, gentle and compassionate and can cope with business cautiously and circumspectly. In their daily life, they try to be economical. Women born in this year are willing to take good care of others, but they should avoid pessimism and hesitation. They are kind in heart and commonly have symmetrical figures and features.
Weaknesses
Sheep year people are often worriers who are shy, pessimistic, moody, indecisive, over-sensitive, weak-willed and puzzled about life. They are easily inclined to be deeply religious. They are timid in nature and like to be looked after by others. They like flattery, compliment and suggestions from friends. They do not dare to express their love openly and usually have interests in strange theories.
from chinese zodiac guide
絵 Painted Poem 〜Every day is a good day
10-16,2014
I can not believe I missed out September !
I need to put the Summer Kimonos back in the wardrobe again.
The whole summer in Japan was great and tasty,
but then I rushed back into preparing for the exhibition in Bad Säckingen,
and my miss Mous started her kindergarden.
This September has just passed by like a late summer storm.
And now when I look up and walk around, it is already the golden autumn time here in blackforest.
Yellow, mustard, mandarin, orange, golden brawn.....and my favoutite Dill flowers are right there in our garden!
I feel I need to celebrate the herbest and their colours now!!
Fancy some beautiful walk this weekend??
Enjoy!!
ARIGATO
10-16,2014
Thanks very much for coming to the Vernissage and the exhibition in Bad Säckingen!
Your comments and appreciation are positive energy and keep me inspired and creative.
And for those who took part in the calligraphy workshop on Saturday,
I would like to give you all -a great compliment on your concentration and mindfulness
- you did really a fantastic job.
Doumo Arigatou
展 Exhibition: Opening party on Sunday the 29th.June at 15.30
06-23,2014
Hi everyone!
Hope you are enjoying the summerly heat and the smell of rain drops.
I would like to update you that there will be my solo exhibition in Freiburg, Germany
from this Sunday the 29th.June to the 21st.September 2014.
Why don't you pop in and relax in beautiful nature?!

RIE TAKEDA
Neo-Japonism & Kalligraphie
29. Juni - 21. September 2014
Neo-Japonism“Painted Poems”collection
und Kalligraphie Werke
* Vernissage am Sonntag, den 29. Juni 2014 von 15.30 bis 17.30 Uhr *
Öffnungszeiten :
Freitag, Samstag, Sonn- und Feiertage 10 – 18 Uhr
Ort : Seminarhaus am Schoenberg, Zechenweg 6 79111 Freiburg Tel. 0761.48 978 599
www.seminarhaus-am-schoenberg.de
MAP : http://goo.gl/maps/DCamG

Seminarhaus is at the feet of Schoenberg mountain directly at the forest.
It is such a nice place to be and relax.
You can go for a walk, your kids can play around in the playgrund and the woods too!!





雫 Little Dragon drops
06-18,2014
The smell of early summer rain is not bad
rather comforting
cooling and flowing away unnecessary bubbles in the air and in my head
The sound of sudden rainbow rain is the best of all
I am just trying to catch what you are saying
what you are singing
or is it a dance
is it the sound of tears?!
or the sound of laughter and joy?
Whatever it is
just like the music of colour drops

Little Dragon drops"
( accompanying poem )
瑠璃色 白塗り 菫色
柳色 碧 瓶覗き
緋色 生成り 紫陽花青
金青 柳鼠
珊瑚色 と 葵色
藍黒の舞は 竜ノ小さな雫たち
Royale blue, Snow white, Mauve
Mist green, Teal, Horizon blue
French Vermilion, Ecru, Hydrangea Blue
Ultramarine blue, Eggshell green
Coral pink and Pale purple
The dances in dark slate is Dragon’s little drops
小さな竜ノ雫
Little Dragon Drops
Sumi ink and Gouache on heavy weight paper, 70x90cm
2010 Rie Takeda
Original work is sold.
♧Limited Edition Print is available in my shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/91037211/limited-edition-fine-art-print-8x11?ref=shop_home_feat_2

花 The month of May with IRIS
06-04,2014
Flower language of Iris :
"good news"
"pleasant news"
"fortune message"
"love"
"hope"
"faith"
"friendship"
"wisdom"
" I will protect you cherish you"
( German Iris )
" I am burning"
"whereabout"

Yes,!! All I need is the fortune good messages!!
I must confess I was too hectic and restless to appreciate the month of IRIS this year....
Yet the vivid violet did give me such a positive energy and inspiration!!
Pity but it is now time to exchange my KAKEJIKU art again at my atelier/ lesson room.
What comes next for the month of June?!
I hear some rain drops and splash of yellow sunshine
See you next year my dear flower of iris


展 A current exhibition in London, March - June 2014
04-30,2014
A collection of Neo-Japonism
" Painted Poem " series from RIE TAKEDA
March 2014 - June 2014
Finally I present you some info!
Mosty my limited edition fine art prints from painted poem series
( inspired by spring-summer time ) and an original work are shown.
After a period of classic SHO calligraphy works,
they seem very refreshing and colour-energetic in the space.
I would be very happy if you visit the venue,
and enjoy the art works as well as the best Sashimi in town!!
Wish you a positive flow for your senses.
ARIGATO


絵My painted poem gallery : ZANMAI
04-30,2014
Kotobuki
Kotobuki
Kotobki
It is your flower celebration today
Let us congratulate you with long lasting voice
Let us pray with the word of celebrated light
We pray for you
so that the fortune and happiness will smile at you
from the deep bottom of our hearts,
congratulations!!
OMEDETOU
*

" 三眜 ZANMAI "
My Painted Poem Gallery " A SPRING TIME LETTER "
04-14,2014
The breathed petal that just withered away
The flower pillow and the night cherry blossom that have been celebrated
The blossomed dreams that got blasted without a word
Those are all genuine sweet feelings of SAKURA, the truth of cherry flower
Let it be let those flowers be and let those bamboos be
Flower's reasons and Bamboo's heart
あんなにも 優しく
懸命な恋を
こんなにも ありがとう
such an earnest romance
So much I thank you
A SPRING TIME LETTER
Japanese ink and Gouache on handmade paper, 56x76cm
2001-2008
Limited Edition Fine Art Print A4 is available here!!
↓
A SPRING TIME LETTER on my Etsy shop
Hop Pop Kimono
04-03,2014
In the last several days, I felt so worn out despite the Sakura pink and Orchid fragrant.
I decided to change my Qi-energy flow!
The best way it seemed.- was to open the Kimono closet and simply get inspired!!
Looking and touching through beautiful colours, forms, patterns and textures was already a positive lift up.
And
The poppy red checked Kimono has taken my attention!!
The perfect colour to recharge the living energy instantly!!!! - I even digged out and found the vintage Gucci bag.
Checked red red red checks
The energy balls started to pop up like popcorn!!
And my heart was hopping and jumping.
Arigato, Kimono-power ♥


栞 Original bookmarks for my clients
02-10,2014


Lately I made a dozen of SUMI ink painted bookmarks.
I enclose one piece as an original freebie gift for the clients who bought my art prints online.
I use WASHI paper and paint it with Sumi ink - each one of them is unique original piece.
The red attached string is also ITAJIME WASHI paper which is amazingly fine and resistant.
I hope my buyers enjoy their reading time little more with these bookmarks!



Tea cup of the morning
01-29,2014