Sumi-e Workshop by appointment
While I give bi-weekly Sumi-e lessons (the Course), I also offer workshops upon request. These workshops are perfect for anyone who wants to explore Sumi-e at their own pace—whether for fun with friends, a school project, or simply to experience East Asian art, culture, philosophy, and meditative practice.
Through this experience, you will learn traditional brush techniques, discover how to express yourself with ink, and enjoy a calm, creative space to reflect and connect with the process.
In the past, I have held workshops at Tiesjurt Concept Store in Haarlem, welcome week events for University of Amsterdam students, as well as private workshops and lessons at my own studio in Het Badhuis, Haarlem.
Naast de tweewekelijkse Sumi-e lessen (de Cursus) geef ik ook workshops op aanvraag. Deze workshops zijn perfect voor iedereen die Sumi-e op eigen tempo wil ontdekken—of gewoon voor de gezelligheid met vrienden, een schoolproject, of om kennis te maken met Oost-Aziatische kunst, cultuur, filosofie en meditatieve oefening.
Tijdens deze ervaring leer je traditionele penseeltechnieken, ontdek je hoe je jezelf kunt uitdrukken met inkt, en geniet je van een rustige, creatieve ruimte om te reflecteren en te verbinden met het proces.
In het verleden heb ik workshops gegeven bij Tiesjurt Concept Store in Haarlem, evenementen voor studenten van de Universiteit van Amsterdam, en ook privéworkshops en lessen in mijn eigen studio in Het Badhuis, Haarlem.
What is Sumi-e?
Sumi-e is a traditional East Asian ink wash painting that originated in China and later spread to Korea and Japan. The term Sumi-e comes from Japanese, where Sumi means black ink, and E means painting.
Using black ink on Washi paper or silk, Sumi-e captures the spirit or essence of a subject rather than detailed realism. With deliberate brushstrokes and varying ink tones, it emphasizes simplicity, spontaneity, and a meditative approach rooted in Zen philosophy.
In these workshops, you will:
Explore traditional Sumi-e techniques
Work with authentic Japanese materials — washi paper, ink, and inkstone
Discover the philosophy and artistic vision behind Japanese ink painting
Connect with yourself through mindful brushwork and breathing exercises
Learn to express movement and depth with ink
Learn Japanese calligraphy and write your own name in Japanese characters
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, the workshops provide a space to experiment, reflect, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of painting.
About the Workshop
About Soonhwa
Soonhwa Kang is a visual artist working primarily with ink, ceramics, and installation. She studied at the Kunstacademie, where she was searching for her materials and artistic voice — until the day she attended a Sumi-e workshop led by an Italian Zen monk. That encounter changed everything.
She went on to study Sumi-e under Yuka Kako, a certified teacher of the International Sumi-e Association, and the practice has deeply shaped her life and work ever since — not as a tradition she reproduces, but as one she carries into her contemporary art practice. Her work lives at the intersection of East Asian ink painting philosophy and heritage, and contemporary expression, across ink, ceramics, and installation.
When people began asking her to share this practice, she hesitated to call herself a teacher — but felt a genuine desire to pass on something beautiful. Not just techniques, but the posture, rhythm, breathing, and the rich history behind East Asian ink painting. She regularly exhibits her work across several cities in the Netherlands and hosts workshops in diverse settings, including concept stores and the University of Amsterdam.
www.soonhwakang.com
Words from Participants
"Super leuk workshop, alle ruimte om te oefenen, veel geleerd. Super leuk, gezellige, geduldige, professionele, kundige lerares. Ik geef zeker vervolg aan"
— M. H
"Mooie authentieke materialen.Van goede penselen tot je eigen inkt maken en prachtig rijstpapier om op te schilderen"
— M. L
"It was a special experience for me. When you took my hand and we painted together, I felt how much tension there was in my body. I am longing to use the attitude you showed us in Sumi-e painting. And I am grateful! Thank you so much for your warmth, kindness, and your expertise!"
— Marjan Jaspers, Visual Artist, Haarlem
Workshop
Options
Option 1
Sumi-e (Japanese Ink Painting) for group of 2-6 people
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: €60 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
Location: Hanato Atelier, Second floor Het Badhuis, Leidseplein 49, Haarlem
Details: Practice painting bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum or plum blossom.
Option 2
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) & Sumi-e for group of 2-6 people
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: €90 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
Location: Hanato Atelier, Second floor Het Badhuis, Leidseplein 49, Haarlem
Details: Begin with Japanese calligraphy to practice brush techniques and write one character, then continue with Sumi-e painting.
For workshops with 7-10 participants, please feel free to get in touch to discuss the details.
This option can take place at your office, university, or another suitable location.
The workshop is also available as a gift voucher.
To book a workshop, please provide:
Name of all participants
Preference on Date/Time (please give me few options)
Email address
Mobile number
Workshop selection (2 hours Sumi-e or 3 hours Shodo & Sumi-e)
Motif choice (Choose from either Bamboo, Orchid, Chrysanthemum or Plum blossom)