Mindful Art
Japanese people have practiced art for centuries to cultivate mindfulness.
I grew up in Japan, immersing myself in the Zen arts of calligraphy, Ikebana flower arrangement, and tea ceremony.
I created Mindful Art classes with inspiration from Japanese culture. ​
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Enjoy Japanese-themed art and craft activities that cultivate inner peace.
I teach Mindful Art classes at our 3-acre sanctuary in the Texas Hill Country (USA) and public venues.
(Zoom versions available)
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Zen Origami
Mindfully fold paper to create origami pieces that symbolize transformation, healing, and peace.
Sumi-e Painting
Look into your inner world, capture its light and shadow, and express it in hues of black, a combination of all colors.
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Shippo Mari
Try the traditional Japanese sewing craft that symbolizes harmonious relationships that last eternally.
I have been going through a lot of things and working very hard to overcome "perfectionism." Your suggestion of letting go of the inner critic and seeing the images that show up as a part of me hit me on another level. I remembered your words and focused on each step of writing Japanese characters during my calligraphy practice. When I was done writing the same Zen words, again and again, I looked at them and observed the differences you had mentioned. I could tell how the writing came out when I was most anxious or most focused and calm.
Thank you for sharing your skill, culture, and kind words today. I felt so relaxed after the session that I was able to take a nap afterward! I am considering doing this practice at least once a week and hope to learn more Zen words in time. I look forward to attending your future classes."
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- Jennifer Martinez Washington (Zen Calligraphy class participant)
Torn Paper Collage
Let go of your expectations and constantly renew your artistic vision while mindfully tearing the Japanese paper to express the beauty of nature.
Zen Calligraphy
Learn about the Japanese writing system and practice writing Zen words mindfully with a brush and ink.
Haiku Bookmark
​​Express the beauty of a season as a haiku poem and create a bookmark that features your haiku and matching image.
Past Class Venues
Asian American Resource Center, Austin, TX
City of Austin Parks & Recreation
Austin Public Library, Austin, TX
Bullock Museum, Austin, TX
Georgetown Public Library, Georgetown, TX
Pflugerville Public Library, Pflugerville, TX
Sarasota Public Library, Sarasota, FL
Mid County Regional Library, Port Charlotte, FL
South Shore Regional Library, Ruskin, FL
and more
Our hands-on Zen experience at Sari’s calligraphy workshop was meditative and satisfying, even for beginners. Every part of the workshop had fascinating meaning, and we were all engaged by practicing at our own pace. “
- Kuniko Yamamoto, Origami Air Studio, Sarasota, FL
Stay Tuned for Class Schedule
Sign up for Sari's email list to learn about her virtual and in-person classes.
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