Delaney & Associates

                                  Art of Stone and Ink

We offer 6 hands-on experiences that require NO prior art training. All are approached from the space of "Beginner Mind"...a place without judgment or ego.  

• Hon Design and Carving

• Sumi Ink Meditation

• Second Degree Review

• Sumi Brush Painting--Bamboo Composition

• Chinese Calligraphy

• Wire & Gemstone Tree Sculpting (Tree of Life Workshop)

Hon Carving (Japanese Seal) and Sumi-e supplies are difficult to find in the Seattle area, particularly high quality student grade materials.  We have researched this issue and through arrangements with suppliers in Canada and China, are able to offer quite affordable supplies to patrons of our workshops. Our goal is to support you to continue practicing what you have learned--while we are teaching these as art forms, all of the workshops are designed to facilitate inner exploration and healing.

Hon Design and Carving
Hons (chops, seals) have been used nearly 3,000 years in China and Japan.  Today artists, poets, teachers use signature hons on their work and certificates.  Anyone can learn!  You can design and carve your hon for any personal or professional use.  In this 2-day workshop, you will be assisted with determining what your hon will "say", researching the kanji (characters) needed, selecting and preparing your stone, carving it, learning the art of "placement" for signature on papers and cleaning and storing your hon.

(2 days) Includes Blank Hon Stone, Sandpapers, Red Ink Pad, Silk Box and Class Workbook (20 pgs).   Click Here Printable brochure (double sided, tri-fold format)

Sumi Ink Meditation                                                                                TOP
This is a wonderful practice that you can easily do on your own for personal reflection and healing. It is terrific for stress relief! We begin with a practice that is centuries old: grinding our own ink in meditation--to release our busyness, to empty ourselves of thoughts and feelings, and to move to a place of non-attachment to form. A simple, single stroke composition completes the meditation. Each composition is appreciated privately for its "teaching". All are "honored" in silence by the group. While sharing tea, we each have the opportunity to share about the experience. Each student receives a 7 pg reference guide, so that this practice may be continuued after class as desired.  (3 hrs)

Second Degree Review
This is an opportunity to connect with Brush and Ink to the energetic flow of the symbols you were given in Second Degree Reiki. We will review each symbol and its use, grind ink contemplating the symbol and observe what flows onto rice paper. Each person privately appreciates the symbol and its "teaching" for them in this moment.

(4 hrs--Need to attend the immediately preceding Sumi Ink Meditation).

Sumi Brush Painting--Bamboo Composition                                     TOP
This 2-day workshop begins with the Sumi Ink Meditation and single stroke composition.  Basics of how to hold the brush, how to move the brush and types of strokes follow.  The 2 strokes used for Bamboo are taught plus a 3-ink technique for depth. We start with the simplest and build to a full composition.  In the final class segment, we sit quietly, grinding ink and allow ourselves to "become bamboo"!  From this space, the internal flows outward, finding expression onto rice paper.  The workshop provides ample time for practice at each step and for participates to progress a their own tempo. (There is an old expression that translates:  "For each stroke on rice paper there are 1000 on newsprint"!) The instructor gives individual attention throughout the 2 days.  Bamboo is the Summer season composition of the traditional "Four Gentlemen".

(2days) Includes extensive, illustrated 20+ pg Class Workbook. Click Here Printable brochure (double sided, tri-fold format)

Sumi Brush Painting--Plum Composition
Collene would like to bring her Teacher, Michael Hartley, to Seattle to share the essence of his energetically, creative gift and to teach this Winter season of the traditional "Four Gentlemen". It will happen organically when there is a clear community "call" for it.   Please let Collene know if this is of interest.

Chinese Calligraphy                                                                            TOP
Reiki Master Ruth Wong Pine, a new associate, joins us from Hong Kong to present a history overview of Chinese Calligraphy & how characters evolved, the 8 basic strokes used to compose characters, how to recognize & paint simple Chinese Characters and how to paint your name in Chinese Characters

(2days) Includes extensive, illustrated 20+ pg Class Workbook.

Tree of Life Workshop
Dana & Paul James, two new associates, join Collene presenting this newest  workshop. It begins with a simple 3-gem and wire composition. Basics of how to string gemstones and twist wire to create branches, limbs, trunks and roots are taught as well as the history, use and healing qualities of gemstones. Two trees are constructed using elements of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT). Throughout the workshop meditative exercise is used to construct the trees--they become the outward expression and "touchstone" of each participant's inner journey. 

(2days) Includes extensive, 20+ pg illustrated Class Workbook for reference after class. Click Here Printable brochure (double sided,tri-fold format)