Ep.18. Gym, Sogetsu moribana, Ikebana, Artists in Tokyo, Coffee cafe explorations, Meetup and Networking
- Woolou Green
- Jul 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Date: 15th - 28th July, 2024
Location: Tokyo, Japan
This past couple of weeks have been a true joy - I've been immersing myself in the ancient art of ikebana under the tutelage of a Sogetsu master in Tokyo. There's something so captivating about creating these miniature floral worlds, delicately arranging the textures and lines of different plant materials within small vessels. I've been learning specialized techniques like the jumonji-dome and jika-dome, which require real skill to intersect the elements in a way that enhances the overall balance and stability. And the pure joy of working with just leaves - arranging them low in the vase to highlight the interplay between the vessel and the natural forms. It's a meditative practice that sparks the imagination.
In between my ikebana lessons, I was able to visit the Mori Art Museum and experience the captivating Theaster Gates exhibition, "Afro-Mingei." As an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist from Chicago, Gates has a truly unique vision that blends his African-American heritage with a deep reverence for Japanese culture. His "Afro-Mingei" concept is a brilliant synthesis of the Mingei folk art philosophy and the "Black Is Beautiful" aesthetic - it's a celebration of craft, identity, and the endless possibilities that arise when cultures cross-pollinate. This landmark exhibition, Gates' first major solo show in Japan, immerses you in his multifaceted practice, from ceramics to architecture to music. It's a thought-provoking exploration of race, politics, and the transformative power of art.
I also had the chance to discover some of the local creative hubs around Tokyo - popping into a cool pop-up store in Roppongi, wandering the serene rooftop garden in Meguro (complete with a photoshoot on the lush lawn!), and connecting with a wonderful community of Japanese artists, filmmakers, and photographers at several Meetup events. The energy and diversity of the city never cease to amaze me.
And of course, I've been zipping around on my electric bike, soaking in the sights and sounds of Tokyo's quieter neighborhoods.
One film that left a lasting impression is "Perfect Days" - a profoundly moving portrait of a Tokyo toilet cleaner named Hirayama. Through his humble yet essential work, the film explores the evolving cultural identity of modern Japan, balancing tradition and progress. It's a contemplative, visually stunning piece that really resonates.
So much creativity, connection, and personal growth - I can't wait to see what the next couple of weeks have in store. Till next time!
愉快地在東京過左幾星期 — 在東京一位草月流日式花藝師指導下，我沉浸於古老的插花藝術中，可以設計出迷你版花卉禪院，過程令人喜出望外。精緻地將不同植物材料的質感和線條安排在小容器裡，我學到十字穹和直穹插花的專業技巧，這些技巧需要一定的技術來交叉不斷研究，以增強整體的平衡和穩定。而單單用綠色葉材來創作——將佢哋慢慢地放在花瓶裡，突顯容器和自然形態之間的互動，帶出綠葉扶持的重要，係一種啟發冥想的練習。
在學習草月流課程的同時，我去參觀森美術館，體驗引人入勝的Theaster Gates展覽《Afro-Mingei》。作為來自芝加哥的多學科藝術家，Gates擁有獨特的視野，將他的非裔美國文化背景和對日本文化的深厚敬意融合在一起。他的《Afro-Mingei》概念是民藝哲學和「黑色之美」美學的精彩綜合——係一場對工藝、身份和文化交融所帶來的無限可能性的慶祝。這場展覽是Gates在日本的首次大型個展，當你沉浸在他多元的創作中，從陶藝到建築再到音樂，都係對種族、政治和藝術轉變力量的深思探索。
在東京的本地創意地區 - 六本木，我在裡面個快閃店行左一陣感受下其藝術氣色；在目黑的寧靜屋頂花園漫遊；以及在幾個聚會活動中認識到幾位日本藝術家、電影製作人和攝影師，彼此建立聯繫。東京係引人入勝，我在此找到充滿活力有趣的人們。
我不時都開我的電動單車在東京路上穿梭，享受經過一些安靜的街區，欣賞風景和細聽周圍的聲音。
有部電影給我留下好深刻的印象，戲名係叫《新活日常》——這是一部感動人心的紀錄片，講述了一位名叫平山的東京公廁清潔工人，通過他謙卑卻至關重要的工作，探討現代日本不斷演變的文化身份，帶出平衡傳統和現代追求進步之間的衝突、壓抑。確係一部令人沉思、驚艷視覺、聽覺享受的作品，讓我深有共鳴。
不斷的創意、聯誼以及個人成長如此豐富——我迫不及待想看看接下來幾週會帶來什麼驚喜。
再續～
Recommended cafes in Tokyo 東京咖啡店推薦:
Brands:
Woolou Green - Horticultural Therapy for satisfaction, relaxation and self-improvement.
葫蘆 園藝 - 我係你園藝治療師，讓你知足常樂、解放壓力，從而自我提升。
Golden Age - Passionate about historical adventures and mysteries and on a mission to share the most fascinating stories of our past through the medium of fashion.
黃金歲月，一個同你暢遊歷史探秘嘅牌子，透過時裝設計訴說歷史趣事。
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In each episode, we'll embark on a lighthearted adventure, swapping stories, and commiserating over the absurdities and challenges of modern living. From navigating the ups and downs of relationships and family dynamics to tackling the daily grind of work life, we'll laugh, vent, and find solace in the shared experiences that make us human. Woolou Talk is a stress-free zone where we set aside the worries of the world and focus on creating a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. We'll delve into topics like travel, adventures, and discovering hidden gems that help us escape the daily grind. In the spirit of authenticity, we'll share our own self-doubts and uncertainties, reminding ourselves that it's okay to not have it all figured out. Together, we'll navigate the challenges that life throws our way, finding inspiration in stories of resilience and personal growth. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick off your shoes, and join our laid-back community. Subscribe to Woolou Green and let's unwind, share a few laughs, and release the stress that weighs us down. Together, we'll create a space where authenticity and laughter reign supreme, helping us find joy and relaxation in the midst of our busy lives. Get ready to sit back, relax, and let go of the daily stressors. Woolou Talk is here to remind you that in the chaos of life, there's always room for a good laugh and a moment to unwind.
每集我都會展開一段輕鬆的日常生活分享、冒險經歷故事，並對現代生活的荒謬與挑戰感同身受。從處理情感到家庭關係的起伏；到應對日常工作的煩悶；我地會一齊笑、發洩，並在這些共同的經歷中找到安慰。葫蘆 日常係一個無壓力既平台，我地暫時擱置世界既煩惱，專注於創造一個放鬆和重拾活力既空間。
有時會深入探討旅行、冒險，以及發現那些幫助我地逃離日常生活既小寶藏。在真實既精神狀態下，我也會分享自己既自我懷疑以及不確定性，提醒自己沒必要咩都要非黑即白。一齊來面對生活中既各種挑戰，從堅韌和個人成長既故事中找到靈感。
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