Here Yoju (in the purple sweater) is describing the materials used
for suminagashi. In Japanese the word "suminagashi" translates
literally to "spilled ink"
The materials are spread out over several tables. Typically, two
people would share one table.
Here, Yoju is showing some examples of completed suminagasi paintings
that she had done earlier.
After several hours of the workshop we can see many of the student's
works drying on the ground.
Yoju use old hollow core doors for her drying surfaces. She brought 8
of these to the workshop. These also serve as her "easels" when she
is painting in the more traditional style. Unfortunately, here, with
the doors on the ground, there were a couple of muddy footprints made
on two of the drying works where visiting children had trod. At least
one art student was sad. Let's hope the footprints later washed
out.
Here we can see the some of the class members busy creating their
works. The two photographers were non-participating observers who
happened to be visiting Hakone Gardens on their own that day.
Even though the art works are created by floating the paint on a
water surface, brushes are still used to help form the desired
image.
Here are some more works drying. A large rinse tray can be seen in
the near foreground. Yoju brought about 18 trays to the workshop.
Several were borrowed from kind local photographers in the area.
This is a good view showing the students intent upon their work. The
materials, paints, brushes, papers, towels, etc. can be seen spead
all around.
This is a good example of one students creation. It is flowating on
the water and ready to be transferred to paper.
It's 4pm and Yoju is telling everyone it's time to stop and clean up.
Everyone wanted to do more, but, in fact, there was no more space to
dry the works. And, the gardens would close at 5pm.
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