Voorwoord Possibly 1909

This is Kamisaka Sekka’s 'Voorwoord', made sometime in the early 20th century. I can imagine Sekka sitting on the floor with a brush, maybe some water, and ink. He’s hovering over the surface of the paper. I like to imagine how one form leads to the next. Does he pause, or is there a flurry? The marks feel both relaxed and purposeful, like a dance between intention and spontaneity. There’s something so satisfying about the way the brushstrokes vary in thickness and pressure. The subtle changes in tone create a sense of depth and texture. See how the darker strokes command attention while the lighter ones seem to recede into the background? I like the way that each brushstroke has its own unique quality, like each one contains a whole world of meaning. Looking at this piece, I feel part of a conversation that spans across centuries and cultures. I feel encouraged to be more open to experimentation and embrace the unexpected turns that happen along the way.