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Teaching sumi-e
Transmission
Mimicry
Sumi-e is learned by mimicking the teacher. This mimicry has many facets.
The teacher shows both a physical and psychological attitude. Attitude determines the result on paper.
He creates the models to be reproduced in front of each student, who, with experience, pays more attention to observing the gesture and holding the brush than to the result. Each type of line requires a complex gesture, and possibly a different brush hold.
The teacher gradually introduces the elements that make up the main models (such as the four nobles: bamboo, orchid, plum blossom and chrysanthemum), varying and increasing the complexity of the models according to what the pupils have already learned. They unconsciously acquire the unspoken rules underlying composition.
The relationship between teacher and student
The teacher takes care to encourage the student in the long repetition of the same pattern. After a while, the student lets go of his or her emotions and desire to do well, and the result is consistent with the model.
Emotions arise during practice. Going through it, with the help of the teacher, can help the student spontaneously experience an inner transformation over time. For this reason, sumi-e is a form of art therapy.