Tatsuki Tsujii views calligraphy as a profound gateway to understanding Japanese culture and heritage. He believes that each brush stroke, rooted in historical meaning, must be explained to the audience to make culture comprehensible worldwide. Through his art, Tsujii aims to bridge the past and present, fostering appreciation for Japan's rich traditions. His calligraphy embodies both the beauty and deep cultural significance of this timeless art form, guiding viewers toward a brighter future through a deep connection to history.
Born in 1977, Tatsuki Tsujii hails from Sapporo, Hokkaido, a city known for its resilient pioneers who faced the harsh natural environment of northern Japan. Coming from a family of distinguished Japanese calligraphers, the art of calligraphy has surrounded Tsujii since childhood. Immersed in a world of artistic expression, young Tsujii was constantly influenced and taught by his father about the beauty and essence of art. Despite this artistic upbringing, Tsujii's early path led him to study architecture.
After completing his university and postgraduate studies, Tsujii became an architect and embarked on a career in the architecture industry. His journey then took a turn towards strategy consulting when he joined the Boston Consulting Group. Both fields, architecture, and consulting, fascinated him with their blend of logic and artistry, ultimately shaping his unique perspective.
In his 30s, Tsujii felt a compelling desire to carry forward his father's legacy. He returned to his hometown in Hokkaido and began his journey as an artist in 2023, formally becoming a disciple of his father, who became his first master. While passionate about his calligraphy, Tsujii also seeks to introduce this beautiful and intriguing art form to people outside Japan. Alongside his artistic endeavors, he actively promotes Japanese calligraphy globally.
Clients often express that Tsujii's calligraphy, capturing their thoughts and feelings through the shape and design of the letters, serves as a daily source of inspiration and renewed resolve. His brushwork is celebrated for its unique blend of moist, gentle lines and thick, strong strokes, reminiscent of natural elements like an incoming cumulonimbus cloud or the earth itself.
Style of Art
Tsujii's artistic journey is rooted in learning and developing skills from historical masters, using traditional techniques and tools. He immerses himself in writing classical works, akin to a musician or ballet dancer practicing classical pieces incessantly. From this foundation, Tsujii creates original and beautiful works of art, expressing various characters such as Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and even the alphabet. His work style is defined by the philosophy: "to study ancient techniques and classics and, on this basis, to write beautifully in words of the past and present." This approach ensures that his creations resonate with both historical reverence and contemporary relevance.
Calligraphy: A Gateway to Japanese Culture and Heritage
Tsujii believes that calligraphy is one of the best ways to learn about Japanese culture and heritage. He views culture as a boundless entity that should be communicated to make it understandable to people all around the world. In calligraphy, it is paramount to explain every brush stroke and its origins to the audience, as each stroke holds meaning rooted in the past. This deep connection to history serves as a light to navigate the present and build a brighter future for generations to come.
Through his art, Tsujii aims to convey the rich cultural heritage of Japan, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of this timeless tradition. His work not only embodies the beauty of calligraphy but also the profound historical and cultural significance behind each carefully crafted character.
Examples of T. Tsujii's Artworks, Collaborations, and Events
Tatsuki Tsujii was honored to be invited to the Hokkaido Innovation Week 2024, an event that brought together guests from around the globe to explore and share business opportunities. The Hokkaido Innovation Week, a cornerstone of regional progress, was a truly impactful event, showcasing the beauty of calligraphy at its opening party.
Larger letters: 'Bells, resound!' (鐘よ響け)
Small letters: 'With the passion of the challenger'
The calligraphy's message emphasized the importance of embracing positive challenges with passion. The phrase 'bells resounding' symbolized the excitement of a stock listing in Japan or the US, resonating with the spirit of innovation and success.
One of Tsujii’s artworks was created for an executive, inspired by the old proverb, 'Tiger's Cave.' The proverb states, 'If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub,' meaning 'nothing ventured, nothing gained.' This piece reflected the executive’s personal motto, embodying a commitment to taking bold risks to achieve great rewards.
Creating Synergy Between Art, Culture, and Traditional Japanese Drinks
An exemplary collaboration showcasing the synergy between art, culture, and traditional Japanese drinks is the partnership between Tatsuki Tsujii and Ine to Agave Co., Ltd. Tsujii contributed to the logo design of their sake, "Hana Kaze" (The Flower and the Wind). This collaboration beautifully merges Tsujii's calligraphic artistry with the traditional elegance of Japanese sake, enhancing the cultural and aesthetic appeal of the brand.
We invite you to explore the beauty and unique style of Tsujii's calligraphy, "SHO." Enjoy detailed explanations of each masterpiece, each one backed by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist himself.
Comments