Tribute to Sensei
For the past few months, part of my work has been silently inspired by senior Emirate Professors at UofI., 90+ years young.
One of them left us today….
I have been disheartened since morning after reading about Sensei (Professor Sato) passing away. Memories of him resurfaced. Since i am not in contact with any of his contacts, did not know whom to weep with.. As the day progressed, felt like compiling experiences with my teacher as a tribute to him . It also pushed me to be more serious about pursuing the Aesthetic Inquiry started with him on Mu /Mushin/ Shunya.. Hope to continue it with the help of Sansei's materials shared on this topic and what i have learned from him in the small time i was fortunate to have with him
I met Sansei in spring of 2014 when I took his Zen calligraphy class at Japan house.
He not just taught Zen through his calligraphy practice but also embodied the calmness and beauty of it, in the way he spoke with a soft tone, in the way he handled his materials especially the brush, and his overall pleasant presence.
A page from Sensei’s book for my study on Mu/ Mushin/ Shunya
A sloka from ‘Natya Shastra’ that is linked to principles of Indian Aesthetic
I remember in one of his classes, I requested to accompany him to wash the brushes. The simple act of cleaning the brushes was done with such care, all smoothly and gently, i experienced the spirit of Zen there.
Common associations
Around the same season in April 2014, i happen to have a solo display of my show, 'Portraits of Me, Myself and my Soul' (oh the title sounds too heavy now) and invited Professor Sato for this boneyard weekend show at WEFT. To my surprise he did visit the show observing all the small and bold displays and appreciated me the next time we met at class.
I remember while he was leaving, my artist friend, Judie happen to enter and recognized Sansei from the era she had made costumes for Sansei's Kabuki shows at KCPA. She seemed happy to see him and spoke highly of his talents. That made me think, Sansei was new teacher for me but he had inspired many many more before me.
I had to discontinue the class as my kids needed time w me but felt privileged to be in contact w my teacher, occasionally sending seasons greeting/ New years wishes.
Years passed, till in 2021 we were working on a virtual event with Spurlock Museum. I wrote to Sansei if he cou;d talk about Spirituality and Art, to which he positively responded and expressed his interest in demonstrating Calligraphy instaed of just talking on the subject.. Unfortunately it was 2021 and in-person events were on hold throughout the campus with Covid issues. But this became an inspired goal for me to search for other venues that would be willing to host Sansei's calligraphy demonstration as an expression of 'Spirituality and Art'. i must be crazy to write to the heads of local institutions that might be connected to Sanseis work but it was a campus policy for safety of all and we couldn't get it done. Not just that, I was asked not to meet him in person for his own safety and that they would plan to facilitations once pandemic situation was safer and. it was a joy to see that happen in reality! Sansei was recognized and felicitated by several institutions and media, over the years that followed. (Some links are shared below)
After a small gap in time, it was a pleasure to be invited by Sansei to his Shodo class at his residence. This was in response to my query on Calligraphy. The few classes I could attend there were precious moments with him and his other students in his studio. Every space that I encountered while walking towards the basement studio of his home was so Aesthetically charged and inspiring- artifacts, scrolls, sculptures all thoughtfully placed in that space. But what enticed me the most was a circle on a fabric curtain that covered a doorway. And ofcourse his studio was full of beautiful Artworks and various brushes and papers and all of it was such a vibrant Art atmosphere! Oh sansei, thanks for your energy and dedication you shared with us.
At Sanseis house, the circle on fabric would always entice me each time i visited.
In his classes, Sensei would be very friendly yet demand the best efforts from us. Sometimes i would be tired practicing the same kanji only to realize how the hand worked better after all those efforts. Our teacher was friendly and had humor, that’s what made the class lively yet serious enough to learn. I remember once he was giving me corrections on calligraphy and I asked if I could record his corrections. He smilingly said not now, first practice.
This highlighted the importance given to practice. Later, it also made me ponder on ways of learning (Qualitative difference in experiential learning from Mentor versus learning from media).
Talking on his studio, i cannot not mention dear Sumie, the only friend i am in touch with connected with Sansei. Sumie was like a sister to him and laughed much and helped me get materials and kept me connected to class updates. I will be ever so grateful to her and to the many students who added their love for sansei during the classes
Kanji for Mizu (Water)- picture from Sansei'‘s book
Sansei underwent a hand surgery also he was almost 90 years by now so the classes were not held anymore. Unfortunately i was busy with other projects and couldn't meet him often but thankfully, was in touch with him as i started my explorations on Mu/ Mushin/ Shunya and asked Sansei for advice. He was generous to respond with a few but much valuable notes in reference to 'Mu'. I had expressed to him my wish to continue this study as an Aesthetic Inquiry with help of his book, 'Shodo- The Quiet art of Japanese Calligraphy'. Just recently as part of an Exhibit, 'Waters of Asia' at Asian American Cultural Center UIUC, I had a chance to display creative work that was inspired by this book. I am grateful to AACC for offering me this chance.. Sadly, before i could communicate this with with him, he left his body to be part of this blessed eternity.
I continue to work on inspirations from my teacher. The Aesthetic Inquiry will be an ongoing tribute to Sansei.. His teachings and blessings will be with us all forever. Yet i will miss being with him…
Links on Sansei i found on internet-
Smile Politely, an online magazine, covers Sansei’s exhibit at Krannert art Museum.
https://www.smilepolitely.com/arts/shozo-satos-stories-in-black-and-white/
From UIUC Fine Arts department-
https://dimension.faa.illinois.edu/stories-by-unit/japan-house/the-art-and-legacy-of-sensei-shozo-sato/